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
But the administrative state is the quiet hand of cronyism working for decades in the most inefficient, sinister ways.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
-
The defendants, including some now facing criminal charges, were dismissed with prejudice on July 16, court records show.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
30 July 2025
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Blige is not only asking the court to dismiss the claims with prejudice—preventing them from being refiled—but is also seeking damages and full reimbursement of all legal fees associated with defending against the suit.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Doing so helps avoid issues like favoritism and bias that can create friction and impede organizational success.—
Simone E. Morris,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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According to published reports, Ellison has explored purchasing The Free Press, a flourishing news site founded by Bari Weiss perhaps best known for a former NPR editor’s study of liberal bias in public broadcasting.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
26 July 2025
Noun
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The state's health agency hit Full Spectrum with a statement of deficiency earlier this year for nepotism and flawed testing methods.—
Ray Stern,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
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His decision came amid allegations of mismanagement, nepotism and bullying and one day after board members, who serve on a committee charged with evaluating the CEO's performance, voted 3-0 to recommend to the full board not to renew Webb's contract.—
Beth Warren,
The Tennessean,
2 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.
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