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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cronyism
According to Goldman Sachs, protectionism primarily leads to higher prices, cronyism, and inefficiency — not competitive manufacturing.
—
Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
This would reduce patronage and cronyism, which have plagued our city for decades.
—Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Wu was asked about Flaherty’s quarter-million dollar payout through a severance agreement, and purported cronyism revealed by Commission records that show the agency’s Executive Director Henry Vitale had two sister-in-laws and a nephew on the payroll last year.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Which is the appropriate thing to say even in the absence of cronyism.
—Felix Salmon, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
This would reduce patronage and cronyism, which have plagued our city for decades.
—Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2025
Wu was asked about Flaherty’s quarter-million dollar payout through a severance agreement, and purported cronyism revealed by Commission records that show the agency’s Executive Director Henry Vitale had two sister-in-laws and a nephew on the payroll last year.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Which is the appropriate thing to say even in the absence of cronyism.
—Felix Salmon, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
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The film aims to capture not just the high-octane world of Formula One, but the deeply personal journey of a man who refused to let geography, economics, or prejudice limit his dreams.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
18 July 2025
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Dunnington also pointed out that the charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors could refile the charges.—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Conservatives have long targeted the CPB, which supports PBS and NPR, accusing it of liberal bias.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
15 July 2025
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Interestingly, the study revealed that hiring automation, employer ghosting (or unresponsiveness), and bias have reshaped the hiring landscape as a whole.—
Colleen Batchelder,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Burnett naturally references families with names like Daley to justify his unapologetic nepotism.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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The News previously reported that her tenure has been punctuated by unusually high turnover among the middle and upper management ranks and allegations of favoritism and nepotism.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
24 June 2025
Noun
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After God showed favoritism to Abel, Cain grew jealous and eventually murdered his brother.—
Brayden Garcia
July 11,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 July 2025
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This includes not showing favoritism and maintaining professionalism at all times.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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