crony

noun

cro·​ny ˈkrō-nē How to pronounce crony (audio)
plural cronies
: a close friend usually of long standing : pal
played golf with his cronies
often, specifically : a person who unfairly receives special treatment see also cronyism, crony capitalism

Examples of crony in a Sentence

The mayor rewarded his cronies with high-paying jobs after he was elected. the criminal's cronies were also closely questioned about the illegal gambling operation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Prosecutors argue that Madigan gave favorable legislation to the energy company in exchange for jobs for his political cronies. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 An illiberal American leader could selectively and arbitrarily use such tools to punish governments that refuse to transact with his cronies. Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 An auction was held before the cronies who controlled it—the Praetorian Guard. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 His villainy changed shape throughout the evening, snarling in the company of cronies and darkly sweet in front of Tosca. Joshua Barone, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for crony 

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Greek chronios long-lasting, from chronos time

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crony was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near crony

Cite this Entry

“Crony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crony. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

crony

noun
cro·​ny ˈkrō-nē How to pronounce crony (audio)
plural cronies
: a close companion : pal
politicians who get jobs for their cronies

More from Merriam-Webster on crony

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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