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
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
Under Adams, mayoral control has led to reckless decision-making, deepened segregation, and blatant cronyism.
—Matt Gonzales, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025
Particularly since all too many sovereign wealth pools lead to cronyism.
—William Pesek, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
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
Under Adams, mayoral control has led to reckless decision-making, deepened segregation, and blatant cronyism.
—Matt Gonzales, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025
Particularly since all too many sovereign wealth pools lead to cronyism.
—William Pesek, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cronyism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism
Noun
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Critics too often do a disservice to the art of younger generations, overstating the similarities between works that have little in common besides the age of their makers or failing to account for the aesthetic prejudices of their own cohort.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
22 May 2025
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Combs' attorneys had the suit moved from state court to federal court, and in January 2025, U.S. District Judge Judith E. Levy dismissed it with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
Noun
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This study examined crime data for patterns of racial bias while also looking at police misconduct and eviction policies, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
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Avoiding Bias Artificial intelligence algorithms can help to overcome unconscious biases by looking at candidates based on their skills and intangible qualities alone, without the danger of overlooking skilled prospects unfairly.—
Dmytro Spilka,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Both academics and law experts agreed that Mexico needed to change its judicial system, citing long-standing issues such as corruption, nepotism and impunity, but many said electing judges by popular vote might not be the best approach.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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That said, Milo has gone the extra mile to ensure his accomplishments aren’t a result of nepotism.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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And for the players, accusations of coercion or favoritism for those who are religious are just bunk.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
16 May 2025
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Kosar said the process is laden with procedures and protections to ensure no favoritism or discrimination takes place.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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