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
These swift moves from Magyar reflect his promise to sweep away the corruption, cronyism and Kremlin allyship that European officials and watchdogs say plagued Orbán's Hungary.
—
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
Political players’ seeking to manipulate the game with cronyism or nepotism is no way to regain the public trust.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
Political players’ seeking to manipulate the game with cronyism or nepotism is no way to regain the public trust.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
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
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
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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
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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
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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
-
Stewart’s critics have been slamming her, saying there was a pattern of favoritism at city hall during her 12-year tenure.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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The measure now heads to a final vote in the State Senate, but critics, including lawmakers, credit unions, and other groups, say the bill creates favoritism and could be costly to small businesses.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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