Question

crony

Accepted Answer

cro‧ny /ˈkrəʊni $ ˈkroʊni/ noun (plural cronies) [countable usually plural]
one of a group of people who spend a lot of time with each other – used to show disapproval
sb’s cronies
the senator’s political cronies
THESAURUS
friend someone who you know and like very much and enjoy spending time with: Dad, this is my friend Steve. | She’s going to Palm Springs with some friends. | I got a letter from a friend from college. | Amy’s a close friend of mine. | John was a really good friend to me when I had all those problems last year.
acquaintance /əˈkweɪntəns/ someone who you know and see sometimes, but who is not one of your close friends: We borrowed the money from one of Paul’s business acquaintances.
mate British English informal a friend – used especially about boys or men: He always goes to the pub with his mates on Friday night. | Terry’s an old mate of mine.
buddy American English informal a friend – used especially about men or young people: He’s out playing basketball with some of his high school buddies.
pal informal a friend – pal sounds rather old-fashioned: They met at school and have remained close pals.
crony [usually plural] disapproving a friend – used about powerful people who will help each other even if it is slightly dishonest: He’s one of the President’s cronies.
companion written someone who spends time with you, doing the same things as you – used about animals as well as people: travelling companions | His dog was his constant companion. | the perfect companion
the girls informal a woman’s female friends: We’re having a girls’ night out.
the lads British English informal a man’s male friends: a night out with the lads

Friend Informal Time Close English Crony Plural People