Croneyism is a term used to refer to the unfair practice of giving jobs or other favors to friends or close associates, often at the expense of more deserving candidates. Some synonyms for croneyism include nepotism, favoritism, patronage, and preferential treatment. Nepotism involves giving preferential treatment to relatives, while favoritism refers to showing preference to an individual based on personal connections rather than merit. Patronage also involves using personal connections to benefit oneself or others, while preferential treatment refers to giving someone an unfair advantage over others. Regardless of the term used, croneyism is a practice that undermines fairness and integrity in any organization or society.