cronyism

noun

cro·​ny·​ism ˈkrō-nē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce cronyism (audio)
: partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of political hangers-on to office without regard to their qualifications

Did you know?

The word cronyism evolved in the 19th century as a spin-off of crony, meaning “friend” or “pal.” In its younger days, cronyism simply meant “friendship,” or “the ability to make friends.” The word didn’t turn bad until the next century, when Americans starting using it to refer to the act of playing political favorites. If cronyism is new to your vocabulary, perhaps you’re more familiar with the related term nepotism, meaning “favoritism based on kinship, especially in professional and political contexts.”

Examples of cronyism in a Sentence

The mayor has been accused of cronyism.
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.
Instead, DeSantis has earned a doctorate in cronyism. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025 Now, some 114 years later, Californians have reached their limit with the cozy cronyism between the commission and the private utilities it is required to keep in check. Loretta Lynch, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for cronyism

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cronyism was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Cronyism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cronyism. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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