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

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

And to society, the implications of such blatant cronyism could be sweeping, from atrophying regulation and loss of accountability to further concentration of power and money among the wealthiest people on Earth. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 18 June 2026

This World Cup lead-up has also been about the FIFAfication of America, where even notorious former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter blanches at the level of cronyism, politicization and money-grabbing on display. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026

Allegations of corruption, fraud, insider trading, cronyism, loss of competent intelligence and reckless actions including a new war. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 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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