CRONYISM Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

cronyism

noun

Definition of cronyism

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of cronyism Personal bias … petty jealousies … vendettas … cronyism … axes to grind. — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 The pro-Russia conservative leader ruled for 20 years in total, leaving a web of corrupt cronyism in highly compromised state institutions. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 In this series finale, Whitehead presents his New York City as an urbanscape rife with brutality, cronyism and corruption, increasingly fed by unbridled capitalism. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 Last-minute maneuvers to force the hands of aldermen on what looks more like appointments of friends and allies than people with leadership potential is cronyism that is being supported by those the mayor chooses to surround himself with. — Nik Hunder, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cronyism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cronyism

Noun

The permit application from J7 Ready Mix was denied with prejudice during a hearing in Austin.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
All the prejudices my characters are designed to expose haven’t just lingered—they’ve metastasized.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of prejudice

Noun

Because this was a scoping review, which summarizes existing research rather than testing a treatment directly, the researchers could not make clinical recommendations or fully assess the risk of bias.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Although much of his lineup leaned heavy-handed or overly undone, the most notable bias looks were the ones designed for ease, modernity and lightness.

— Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of bias

Noun

Janet Rogers, the wife of Tyrone Rogers, was appointed to the position in February after Arambula stepped down, prompting accusations of nepotism.

— Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Sorry but this nepotism and bravolebrity entitlement does not put him above the law.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of nepotism

Noun

The government responded to her filing and courtroom outburst by asking that she be removed from the case citing hostility toward the government and favoritism for the plaintiffs.

— Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
The same relationships that make effective representation possible also make political favoritism difficult to distinguish from legitimate government.

— Nicholas Jacobs, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of favoritism

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crony

cronyism

crook

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“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cronyism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cronyism

noun

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