World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesCrony
/ˈkroʊ.ni/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A close friend or companion, especially a longtime associate who is viewed with disapproval or distrust.
"The corrupt official appointed his loyal cronies to high-ranking government positions." - 2
An associate or accomplice, particularly one involved in shady or unethical business dealings.
"He ran the corporation with a tight circle of cronies who helped him conceal the financial fraud."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the mid-17th century at the University of Cambridge, the word likely derives from the Greek word chronios, meaning 'long-lasting' or 'permanent'. Initially university slang for a long-time chum or intimate companion, its connotation shifted over time to frequently imply a close friend or companion of a powerful person, often in a derogatory context involving favoritism.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Crony"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Crony" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
complice
Transliteration: kɔ̃.plis
"Il a favorisé ses complices dans l'attribution des marchés publics."
Kumpan
Transliteration: kʊmˈpaːn
"Der Politiker umgab sich nur mit treuen Kumpanen."
compari
Transliteration: komˈpaː.ri
Script: compare
"Il sindaco e i suoi compari sono stati indagati per corruzione."
esbirro
Transliteration: ezˈbi.ro
"El dictador gobernaba rodeado de sus fieles esbirros."
comparsa
Transliteration: kõˈpaɾ.sɐ
"Ele e seus comparsas desviaram verbas públicas."
चापलू
Transliteration: chamcha
Script: चापलूस
"नेताजी अपने चापलूस सहयोगियों से घिरे रहते हैं।"
心腹
Transliteration: xīnfù
"市长把许多心腹安插在关键部门。"
측근
Transliteration: cheuk-geun
"대통령은 자신의 측근들을 요직에 임명했다."
手下
Transliteration: teshita
"彼は自分の手下を使って会社を支配した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsThe cardinal number equivalent to the sum of ten and three.
A road that circles around a town or city to prevent traffic from entering the center.
Pressed firmly together or made dense by pressure, applied particularly to soil, earth, or granular materials.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Crony"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.