as in prejudice
disapproving
the unfair practice by a powerful person (such as a politician) of giving jobs and other favors to friends
The mayor has been accused of cronyism.
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Recent Examples of cronyism
The role of Mahama’s brother in mining deals has been controversial, and the president has repeatedly denied accusations of cronyism.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But controversial government efforts to redress inequalities have been plagued by corruption and cronyism.
—Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Donlon’s lawsuit was just one of several complaints brought by veteran police officials who alleged a culture of rampant corruption and cronyism within the agency during Adams' time as mayor.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
My first act will be to audit the agency, cut waste, end cronyism, & make sure every dollar serves Texas farmers, ranchers, and consumers—not political insiders.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But controversial government efforts to redress inequalities have been plagued by corruption and cronyism.
—Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Donlon’s lawsuit was just one of several complaints brought by veteran police officials who alleged a culture of rampant corruption and cronyism within the agency during Adams' time as mayor.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
My first act will be to audit the agency, cut waste, end cronyism, & make sure every dollar serves Texas farmers, ranchers, and consumers—not political insiders.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
-
That is prejudice dressed in the language of security.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The goal was to combat racial prejudice by putting white and Black people in a room together for a marathon weekend of unfiltered sharing and confrontation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That proposal made national headlines and led to months of reckoning with racial bias after a Center School parent was caught on a hot mic during a remote school board meeting.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
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Providers also can fall victim to inadvertent bias, assuming a young, otherwise healthy patient must be dealing with something other than shingles.—
Alyssa Sparacino,
Glamour,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two years into Bronny James’ NBA career, in the postseason spotlight, cries of nepotism will have to wait for the bench minutes the Lakers actually need from the 21-year-old guard.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Employee referral programs consistently produce higher-quality hires, not because of nepotism, but because people rarely recommend someone who will embarrass them.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Management of the city of Chicago’s sprawling government always has been a challenge, and the opportunities for patronage, favoritism and simple wasteful spending are vast.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report last week that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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