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 in America, backroom deals, cronyism, and countless middle players proliferate in the dark and drive costs into the stratosphere.
—
Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026
Think of the major alternatives, which include popularity, wealth, cronyism, nepotism or a lottery system.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Public trust in the justice system is eroded when political cronyism is rewarded over fairness, when accountability is resisted, and when devastating errors are defended instead of confronted.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Since state jobs are won through cronyism and bribery, livelihoods were also at stake.
—Nabil Salih, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026
Think of the major alternatives, which include popularity, wealth, cronyism, nepotism or a lottery system.
—Kenji Yoshino, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Public trust in the justice system is eroded when political cronyism is rewarded over fairness, when accountability is resisted, and when devastating errors are defended instead of confronted.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Since state jobs are won through cronyism and bribery, livelihoods were also at stake.
—Nabil Salih, Time, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
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Either way, the distinct cultural disconnect between Wright’s art praxis and police officers’ prejudices leads to profound misunderstandings.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Along with the restaurant group, its executive Lesa Sorrentino and alleged investor Denis Stavinoha were dismissed with prejudice.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The university has defended a formula used to select the participants and denied allegations of bias.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
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What participants in these discussions need to remember is that--as has been said often--truth has a liberal bias.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Multiple members of the public criticized the appointment, alleging nepotism.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
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There were accusations of nepotism made when your son, Charlie, was appointed co-head of Vantage.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At a time when political machines dominated state and city politics, Cleveland challenged patronage and favoritism.—
Jacob Lane The Chicago Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Lane mentions how Cleveland fought patronage and favoritism but fails to state that his predecessor, Chester Alan Arthur, actually helped codify the Civil Service Exam for federal employees.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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