cronyism

noun

cro·​ny·​ism ˈkrō-nē-ˌi-zəm 

: partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of political hangers-on to office without regard to their qualifications

Did you know?

The word cronyism evolved in the 19th century as a spin-off of crony, meaning “friend” or “pal.” In its younger days, cronyism simply meant “friendship,” or “the ability to make friends.” The word didn’t turn bad until the next century, when Americans starting using it to refer to the act of playing political favorites. If cronyism is new to your vocabulary, perhaps you’re more familiar with the related term nepotism, meaning “favoritism based on kinship, especially in professional and political contexts.”

Examples of cronyism in a Sentence

The mayor has been accused of cronyism.

Recent Examples on the Web

The quick exit has led to a reckoning within South Korea's football world — fueled by intense anger over accusations of favoritism and cronyism involved in the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 July 2026

Lowering taxes on businesses across the board not only avoids the problems of cronyism and favoritism, but gives everyone a better chance to grow and succeed. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 14 July 2026

This is the wrong time for a baseball stadium — or anything that looks frivolous or smacks of cronyism. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026

While no rules were broken, the revelations conflicted with Starmer’s portrayal of himself as an antidote to the cronyism displayed by successive Conservative leaders. — Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cronyism

• ism
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism

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