venal
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ve·nal
adjective \ˈvē-nəl\Definition of VENAL
1
: capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration : purchasable; especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : mercenary <a venal legislator>
2
: originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery <a venal arrangement with the police>
— ve·nal·i·ty \vi-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun
— ve·nal·ly \ˈvē-nəl-ē\ adverb
See Examples of VENAL
- <that judge is known for being venal and easily bought>
Origin of VENAL
Latin venalis, from venum (accusative) sale; akin to Greek ōneisthai to buy, Sanskrit vasna price
First Known Use: 1652
Related to VENAL
- Synonyms
- bribable, corruptible, dirty, purchasable
- Antonyms
- incorruptible
Learn More About VENAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: venalness
Previous Word in the Dictionary: vena contracta
All Words Near: venal
Previous Word in the Dictionary: vena contracta
All Words Near: venal
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up venal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
