The term "spoils office" refers to the practice of giving political appointments and positions to supporters and allies as a reward for their loyalty. It is often associated with corruption and nepotism in politics and administration. There are several synonyms for this term, including patronage, cronyism, favoritism, nepotism, and jobbery. Each of these terms describes a form of favoritism in which political or personal connections are prioritized over merit or qualifications when making appointments or promotions. While such practices are unethical and can undermine the effectiveness of public institutions, they continue to be prevalent in many countries and political systems around the world.