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
But even where governments did embrace reforms, cronyism and corruption ensured that protectionism endured.
—
Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Musk had pushed to install his friend Jared Isaacman as head of the agency—a move that stank of cronyism.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
The metastasizing litigation now pits an outgoing mayor with waning popularity against a feisty city council and state officials including the attorney general, with both sides slinging accusations of cronyism.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 July 2025
The filing comes days after four high-ranking former New York City police officials filed a separate suit alleging that Adams doled out patronage promotions and a culture of cronyism in the NYPD, according to the Associated Press.
—James Powel, USA Today, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Musk had pushed to install his friend Jared Isaacman as head of the agency—a move that stank of cronyism.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025
The metastasizing litigation now pits an outgoing mayor with waning popularity against a feisty city council and state officials including the attorney general, with both sides slinging accusations of cronyism.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 July 2025
The filing comes days after four high-ranking former New York City police officials filed a separate suit alleging that Adams doled out patronage promotions and a culture of cronyism in the NYPD, according to the Associated Press.
—James Powel, USA Today, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
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The amounts of prejudice that are built up in those Kingdom Halls, unbelievable.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
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The case was dismissed with prejudice last week after a settlement was reached, according to court records.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The midi dress featured some 1930s inspiration, with a bias cut and sash detailing adorned with a floral appliqué.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
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There was no reporter on the ground with bias.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The topic of nepotism came up in a new interview with Skarsgård in Vulture, when the outlet pointed out that many of his eight children — including Bill, Alexander, and Gustaf — have become actors like their father.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
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If nepotism were a thing in my life, how come all my other bands (before Sublime) didn’t get any exposure?—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Employees grumble over who gets to park where and how offices were allocated (or who got an office with walls in the first place), exposing deep resentments about favoritism, status, and fairness.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
12 Oct. 2025
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In a statement, HNTB Vice President Mark Weber denied that the company had been shown favoritism by SANDAG.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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