1
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
the ancient Egyptians used special preservatives to spare their dead from complete corruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the corruption of the upper classes eventually led to the fall of the Roman empire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in immorality
immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society
Socrates was put to death because the ancient Athenians believed he was spreading corruption to their youth
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corruption
Directed and written by Sam Quah, the film stars Peng Yuchang, Alan Aruna and Chang Ning and revolves around a long-dormant murder case that reopens amid systemic corruption.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
The council also was rocked by accusations of corruption, with a government agency accusing three members of bribery in late 2024.
—Evens Sanon, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Cruelty and corruption recognized no regional boundaries, and officials on both sides seem to have come closer to despising than sympathizing with their suffering captives.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Time after time in our residential experience, the Board of Review would knock back the assessor’s assessments (the criteria applied being different), thus rewarding the many attorneys who know how to game a system with myriad opportunities for corruption.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
The council also was rocked by accusations of corruption, with a government agency accusing three members of bribery in late 2024.
—Evens Sanon, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Cruelty and corruption recognized no regional boundaries, and officials on both sides seem to have come closer to despising than sympathizing with their suffering captives.
—Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
Time after time in our residential experience, the Board of Review would knock back the assessor’s assessments (the criteria applied being different), thus rewarding the many attorneys who know how to game a system with myriad opportunities for corruption.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption
Noun
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The team is using a process called thermal decomposition to unlock the chemical secrets of neptunium.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Slower decomposition of food scraps can attract rodents and other unwanted critters.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To more explicitly address his concerns about environmental degradation, Lambert attached an infographic and explanatory statement next to his work.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
As a result of the degradation, there is a higher risk of metal fragments being launched into the cabin by the airbags when deployed.—
Liam Rappleye,
Freep.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This approach can be applied to any behavior, including crime and immorality.—
Christopher M. Filley,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
-
One celebrates the beauty and moral uplift of the Sabbath; the other denounces the immorality of the godless in the fiery manner of a tent-revival preacher.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The system converts heat from radioactive decay into electricity.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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Leaking water can cause structural decay, mold growth, destroyed flooring, and more.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But does exchanging flirty messages with Ghislaine Maxwell while he was married three years before Jeffrey Epstein was first publicly accused of wrongdoing in 2006 really constitute a career-ending sin?—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
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Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death through his resurrection.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Also, according to ancient Norse lore, evil and turmoil were brought to the world by the mischievous god Loki, the 13th guest at a dinner party in Valhalla.—
Bailey Allen,
Cape Cod Times,
13 Feb. 2026
-
As far as true evil goes, that's not much of a crime at all.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
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This lawless crew shares dramaturgical DNA with the vice figures from medieval morality plays, personifications of sinfulness who would confide their schemes to the audience and make theatergoers their co-conspirators in a riveting game that obviously left its mark on a young Shakespeare.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness.—
William Earl,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Corruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corruption. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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