Cronyism: meaning, definitions and examples

Use it when referring to favoritism shown to close friends, especially in political and business settings.

• The mayor was accused of cronyism when he appointed his high school friend to a top city position.

Use it when referring to favoritism shown to family members, usually in jobs and positions of power.

• The company was criticized for nepotism because the CEO hired his brother for a high-paying job without considering other candidates.
• Nepotism in the workplace can demotivate other employees.

This is a general term to describe unfair preference for someone over others, not necessarily linked to any relationship.

• The teacher's favoritism towards certain students caused resentment among the others.
• He was accused of favoritism for always giving his best friend the easiest tasks.

This word can be used in two contexts: to describe support given by patrons (often financial) for artists, organizations, etc., or to describe political favoritism in the distribution of jobs and resources. The latter sense often has a negative connotation.

• The artist thrived due to the patronage of wealthy art lovers.
• Political patronage led to unqualified people being appointed to important positions.