What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patronism
Example
The company's hiring practices were criticized for patronism, as many of the new employees were relatives of the management. [patronism: noun]
Example
He only got the job because of his uncle's patronism. [patronism: noun]
cronyism
Example
The mayor was accused of cronyism after appointing his friends to key positions in the city government. [cronyism: noun]
Example
She only got the promotion because of her close relationship with the boss. [cronyism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cronyism is more commonly used than patronism in everyday language. Cronyism is a widely recognized term that is often used in political contexts, while patronism is less common and may have different connotations depending on the culture or context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patronism and cronyism?
Both patronism and cronyism are informal terms that are typically used in casual conversation or in the media. However, cronyism may be used more frequently in formal contexts, such as academic or legal writing, due to its wider recognition and negative connotation.
