venal

ve·nal

adj \ˈvē-n^əl\

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-n^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of VENAL

1. <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

Related Words: temptable; hack, mercenary; crooked, cutthroat, dishonest, Machiavellian, unethical, unmoral, unprincipled, unscrupulous; corrupt, corrupted, debased, debauched, defiled, degenerate, degraded, demoralized, depraved, dissipated, dissolute, perverse, perverted, reprobate, sleazy, vitiated, warped; bad, evil, immoral, iniquitous, nefarious, sinful, vicious, wicked

Near Antonyms: ethical, honest, principled, scrupulous; good, moral, righteous, upright, virtuous

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