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nepotism vs. cronyism

[nep-uh-tiz-uhm] / ˈnɛp əˌtɪz əm /

noun

  1. patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics.

    She was accused of nepotism when she made her nephew an officer of the firm.

[kroh-nee-iz-uhm] / ˈkroʊ niˌɪz əm /

noun

  1. the practice of favoring one's close friends, especially in political appointments.