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
He‘d look to make changes to the top command to reduce cronyism and restore trust.
—
Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
In 2002 the Editorial Board of this newspaper began publishing allegations detailing kickbacks by the DA’s staff, cronyism, and political prosecutions.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
In 2002 the Editorial Board of this newspaper began publishing allegations detailing kickbacks by the DA’s staff, cronyism, and political prosecutions.
—John O’Hara, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
-
On Wednesday, lawyers representing the TPS holders asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the consolidated case, arguing that the documents reveal that the justices don’t yet have all the facts and that the Haiti termination was pre-ordained and prejudice-fueled.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
-
Words become weapons, opinions become radicalized, and gradually, the two neighbors become deadly enemies in a series that spotlights the prejudices that have started to creep back into our lives.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
One of the most pervasive cognitive biases is the confirmation bias.—
Dr. Deepika Chopra,
Flow Space,
16 June 2026
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The center offers first-year seminars for new students and a yearlong, co-curricular residential program for undergraduates that helps people learn to be open-minded, recognize personal cognitive biases and work collaboratively with others even if there are disagreements, according to its website.—
Kate Perez,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
James hears the nepotism claims.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
9 June 2026
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Unsurprisingly, whispers and accusations of nepotism surround Max’s appointment, with Leon Rice having led the program as head coach since 2010, and the father-son connection is undeniably part of why Max returned to Boise State.—
Shaun Goodwin
June 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Still, the entire regulatory review was clouded by charges of political favoritism and cronyism.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
-
Enforce laws without favoritism.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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