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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corruption
Finally, Mayor Mamdani promised to crack down on corruption.
—
Richard Robbins, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2026
Becerra and Newsom have been tangled in a 2025 federal corruption investigation that has caused some tension between the former allies.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 Jan. 2026
The federal corruption probe around Williamson cracked open a window to Sacramento’s campaign finance ecosystem, showing the sometimes questionable ways that lawmakers, lobbyists, consultants and interest groups use accounts to trade money, time and access.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 18 Jan. 2026
As always, money and relationships are at stake, and corruption rules.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Richard Robbins, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2026
Becerra and Newsom have been tangled in a 2025 federal corruption investigation that has caused some tension between the former allies.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 Jan. 2026
The federal corruption probe around Williamson cracked open a window to Sacramento’s campaign finance ecosystem, showing the sometimes questionable ways that lawmakers, lobbyists, consultants and interest groups use accounts to trade money, time and access.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 18 Jan. 2026
As always, money and relationships are at stake, and corruption rules.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption
Noun
-
The house smelled of urine, feces and decomposition.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
21 Jan. 2026
-
If the stump is in a low-traffic area and won't interfere with lawn mowing, the easiest removal method is natural decomposition.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The cold can also freeze liquids, crack containers and prompt chemical degradation.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Grave of the Fireflies is about the horrors and degradations of war.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
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Advised by Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell, who sincerely believed in the Reformation, Henry started with accusations of corruption and immorality in the Church, then used intimidation and changes to the law to transfer all the wealth and land to himself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the steppe everything crumbles and decays.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
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However, a crack can expose a tree to fungal infection or decay, which could lead to the tree dying.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The nation was to be purged of continual sin not indeed all of its own doing—due partly to its inheritance; and yet a sin, a negation that gave the world the right to sneer at the pretensions of this republic.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
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Whatever your preconceived notions about Feldman are, Hume’s film will expand and challenge them; the movie’s greatness lies in its ability to capture all of Feldman’s contradictions and self-destructiveness, empathizing with him without soft-pedaling his sins.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
An outmoded concept, evil was baggage from a pre-modern age, the least useful way to interpret bad behavior.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
23 Jan. 2026
-
These necessary evils drain your creative energy.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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 28 Jan. 2026.
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