crony

noun

cro·​ny ˈkrō-nē 

plural cronies

: a close friend usually of long standing : pal

played golf with his cronies

often, specifically : a person who unfairly receives special treatment see also cronyism, crony capitalism

Synonyms of crony

• associate
• colleague
• buddy
• friend
• accomplice
• peer
• comrade

Examples of crony in a Sentence

The mayor rewarded his cronies with high-paying jobs after he was elected.

the criminal's cronies were also closely questioned about the illegal gambling operation

Recent Examples on the Web

His nod to the benefits of low taxes is in his crony capitalist vow to expand tax credits for the film industry. — Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 31 May 2026

While so many suffer, our president enriches himself, his family and his cronies. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026

Morgan and her Judgment Day cronies tried to bribe Danhausen to put curses on their opponents. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026

Meanwhile, Springfield Democrats shouldn’t be quaking in their shoes at this temper tantrum from their cronies in organized labor. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Greek chronios long-lasting, from chronos time

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing crony

• crony capitalism

Rhymes for crony

• boney
• boni
• bony
• coney
• monie
• mony
• phoney
• phony
• stoney
• stony
• toney
• tony

Kids Definition

crony

noun

cro·​ny ˈkrō-nē 

plural cronies

: a close companion : pal

politicians who get jobs for their cronies