CRONYISM Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

cronyism

noun

Definition of cronyism

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of cronyism This is the wrong time for a baseball stadium — or anything that looks frivolous or smacks of cronyism. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for cronyism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism

Noun

The lawsuit was dismissed Monday without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again.

— Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
But Pirro’s office moved on July 31 to dismiss the felony case without prejudice after the Interior Department produced additional documents.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

At the same time, Georgia lawmakers have introduced legislation targeting banks that use social credit metrics or restrict access based on constitutional expression, aiming to hold financial institutions accountable for ideological bias.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
But the core problem survives because recency bias doesn’t need a 12-month gap to do its damage.

— James Glover, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of bias

Noun

As the nepotism debate rages on, a number of current stars have opted out of having kids altogether — and made no secret about it.

— Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 2026
Courtesy of Stanley Simmons band Don’t mention nepotism to Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of the two prominent KISS band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

— Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of nepotism

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crony

cronyism

crook

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“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cronyism

noun

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