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
This move is uncomfortably reminiscent of China’s state capitalism, not to mention the attendant risks of cronyism.
—
Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025
Some might say there was a lot of cronyism involved, and there definitely was, but the DJs at WHRB put a lot of work into promoting us on the show Record Hospital.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
One year after her appointment, Karki faced an impeachment motion from the ruling coalition after her bench overturned the government’s choice for police chief, a decision seen as a defense of meritocracy against political cronyism.
—Sugam Pokharel, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The absence of corruption, scandal, self-dealing and cronyism makes this a revitalizing break from real-world concerns, without in any way veering into sappy idealism.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025
Some might say there was a lot of cronyism involved, and there definitely was, but the DJs at WHRB put a lot of work into promoting us on the show Record Hospital.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
One year after her appointment, Karki faced an impeachment motion from the ruling coalition after her bench overturned the government’s choice for police chief, a decision seen as a defense of meritocracy against political cronyism.
—Sugam Pokharel, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The absence of corruption, scandal, self-dealing and cronyism makes this a revitalizing break from real-world concerns, without in any way veering into sappy idealism.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
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Along the way, Daisy and Hoke each will confront, acknowledge and, in a way, overcome their own often-unthinking prejudice.—
Oline Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Pope Leo marked Holocaust Remembrance Day with a forceful plea for a world free of antisemitism, prejudice, and persecution.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the current atmosphere, where so many have been conditioned to believe that the news media is a liberal wasteland, confirmation bias helps with the heavy lifting.—
Brenda Looper,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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Such strategies use a complex mix of statistical models, machine-learning algorithms, factors and other quantitative signals to identify — and bet on — upward and downward moves in markets, removing human emotion and biases from the investment process.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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District officials placed Brenda Smith on administrative leave last week and launched an internal investigation into her actions, as well as into nepotism and conflicts of interest at the district.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
10 Feb. 2026
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Zane Camacho has a larger-than-life clownlike energy as Finch’s nemesis, Bud Frump, a mail-room clerk who got his job via nepotism.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Certain players won’t receive favoritism over others because the head coach is afraid to confront them or wants to be their friend.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
20 Jan. 2026
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Following the money Hinojosa and Bell have tied Abbott’s private-school voucher push to a broader argument about favoritism, arguing the program steers public dollars to mostly Christian schools while benefiting wealthy contributors.—
Karen Brooks Harper,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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