Synonyms of cronyism

cronyism

noun

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.

Related Words

• prejudice
• bias
• nepotism
• favoritism
• chauvinism
• partisanship
• tendency
• partiality
• tendentiousness
• ply
• favor
• one-sidedness
• leaning
• nonobjectivity
• predisposition
• proclivity
• predilection
• penchant
• parti pris
• propensity
• bent
• self-opinionatedness
• inclination
• prejudgment
• self-partiality
• preconception
• prepossession

Dissimilar Words

• fairness
• neutrality
• objectivity
• impartiality
• indifference
• unbiasedness
• detachment
• open-mindedness
• calm
• dispassion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cronyism

The quick exit has led to a reckoning within South Korea's football world — fueled by intense anger over accusations of favoritism and cronyism involved in the appointment of coach Hong Myung-bo. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 16 July 2026

Lowering taxes on businesses across the board not only avoids the problems of cronyism and favoritism, but gives everyone a better chance to grow and succeed. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 14 July 2026

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

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