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 controversial government efforts to redress inequalities have been plagued by corruption and cronyism.
—
Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Donlon’s lawsuit was just one of several complaints brought by veteran police officials who alleged a culture of rampant corruption and cronyism within the agency during Adams' time as mayor.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
My first act will be to audit the agency, cut waste, end cronyism, & make sure every dollar serves Texas farmers, ranchers, and consumers—not political insiders.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia, became the most costly in history—and although politics and cronyism played a role, the lack of existing ski infrastructure was also a major factor.
—Laura Millan, Bloomberg, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Donlon’s lawsuit was just one of several complaints brought by veteran police officials who alleged a culture of rampant corruption and cronyism within the agency during Adams' time as mayor.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026
My first act will be to audit the agency, cut waste, end cronyism, & make sure every dollar serves Texas farmers, ranchers, and consumers—not political insiders.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia, became the most costly in history—and although politics and cronyism played a role, the lack of existing ski infrastructure was also a major factor.
—Laura Millan, Bloomberg, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
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Lourdes Maria Portugues is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with prejudice, according to Miami-Dade police.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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People want clinical insights that come fast, make perfect sense and aggressively reject traditional prejudices.—
Malana VanTyler,
Sacbee.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There is some methodological bias — drone kills are recorded on camera, while artillery casualties are largely invisible to analysts — but the increasing centrality of drones in the conflict is extraordinary.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
14 Apr. 2026
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Even accounting for his bias, there is no denying Miles’ prodigious skill and her ability to show up in clutch situations.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
State officials began investigating the village in 2024 after receiving a whistleblower complaint alleging nepotism and conflicts of interest.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
13 Apr. 2026
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The budget line gives council members wide discretion to cover official duties, but in the past has also raised questions about political patronage and nepotism on the public dime.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Over time, ownership would move through voluntary exchange rather than political favoritism.—
Antony Davies,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
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However, the other two members wound up suing Beyoncé and Kelly, claiming that being managed by Beyoncé's dad Mathew led to favoritism within the group.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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