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
-
Fully invested in its protagonist without blandly cheerleading for her, Bourgeois-Tacquet’s script is sharply attuned both to the everyday prejudice faced by women like Gabrielle, and the ways in which such sexism can be overcorrected.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
The Court held that this evidence went far beyond what was necessary and gave rise to unfair prejudice.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Staff unionized, in an effort to address what many felt were systemic biases against employees who were Black and women.—
Odette Yousef,
NPR,
12 May 2026
-
There is an official timekeeper who purposefully faces away from the drum to avoid any perception of bias.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
During a July 2007 interview with Pop Matters, Joe addressed the nepotism involved in his band getting the gig to open up for The Police.—
Francesca Gariano,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
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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
Noun
-
The House Democratic campaign arm’s endorsements in two competitive primaries are aggravating some in the party who see favoritism at work.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
4 May 2026
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The promotional process will be standardized, consistent and based on blind applicant screening to eliminate favoritism.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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