Crony — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkrō-nē/ cro·ny

Meaning & Definition of Crony

Crony (noun)

  1. a close friend usually of long standing, pal; often, specifically, a person who unfairly receives special treatment

Crony (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person frequently seen in the company of another

    "the criminal's cronies were also closely questioned about the illegal gambling operation"

    similar: associate, cohort, companion, compatriot, compeer, comrade, fellow, hobnobber, mate, running mate
    related: colleague, coworker, equal, peer, workmate, accomplice, affiliate, ally, collaborator, confederate, half, partner, buddy, chum, confidant, familiar, friend, hearty, intimate, pal, countryman, classmate, housemate, messmate, playfellow, playmate, roommate, schoolmate, shipmate, teammate, attendant, escort, hanger-on, leech, parasite

  2. a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another

    "only my cronies can call me by my nickname"

    similar: alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, familiar, friend, intimate, mate (chiefly British), musketeer, pal
    related: acquaintance, associate, cohort, colleague, companion, fellow, hearty, hobnobber, partner, peer, sport, blood brother, brother, main man, sister, abettor, accomplice, ally, collaborator, confederate, pen pal, benefactor, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher, friendly
    opposite: enemy, foe
    near: adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival, archenemy, nemesis

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Crony

The most common words with a similar meaning to Crony:

Chiefly British: mate
associate, cohort, companion, compatriot, compeer, comrade, fellow, hobnobber, running mate, alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, confidant, confidante, familiar, friend, intimate, musketeer, pal

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Crony

Words with the opposite meaning of Crony:

enemy, foe

Related Words for Crony

colleague, coworker, equal, peer, workmate, accomplice, affiliate, ally, collaborator, confederate, half, partner, hearty, countryman, classmate, housemate, messmate, playfellow, playmate, roommate, schoolmate, shipmate, teammate, attendant, escort, hanger-on, leech, parasite, acquaintance, sport

Near Antonyms of Crony

adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival, archenemy, nemesis

Word Forms of Crony

Inflections: cronies

Origin & Etymology of Crony

perhaps from Greek chronios long-lasting, from chronos time

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Crony

crony capitalism

Frequently Asked Questions about Crony

What does "Crony" mean?

"Crony" means a close friend usually of long standing, pal; often, specifically, a person who unfairly receives special treatment. As a noun, it is defined as: a close friend usually of long standing, pal; often, specifically, a person who unfairly receives special treatment. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Crony"?

Other words for "Crony" include associate, cohort, companion, compatriot, compeer, comrade, fellow and hobnobber. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Crony" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Crony"?

There are 63 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Crony". Common alternatives include associate, cohort, companion, compatriot, compeer, comrade, fellow, hobnobber, mate and running mate.

What is the opposite of "Crony"?

Antonyms of "Crony" include enemy and foe. Near antonyms include adversary, antagonist, competitor and opponent.

How do you use "Crony" in a sentence?

Examples of "Crony" in a sentence: "the criminal's cronies were also closely questioned about the illegal gambling operation"; "only my cronies can call me by my nickname".

Is "Crony" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Crony" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Crony"?

"Crony" is pronounced /ˈkrō-nē/ and divided into syllables as cro·ny.

What is the origin of the word "Crony"?

"Crony" comes from perhaps from Greek chronios long-lasting, from chronos time. First known use: 15th century.