Synonyms of bribe

bribe 1 of 2

noun

ˈbrīb 

as in incentive

something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision

that judge refused a huge bribe to dismiss the charges against the wealthy defendant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incentive
• fix
• stimulus
• motivation
• sop
• lure
• boost
• encouragement
• temptation
• inducement
• backhander
• payoff
• bait
• boodle
• stimulation
• kickback
• baksheesh
• persuasion
• seduction
• cumshaw
• goad
• slush fund
• flattery
• enticement
• spur
• provocation
• trap
• instigation
• incitement
• decoy
• turn-on
• snare
• allurement

bribe

2 of 2

verb

as in to lure

to influence someone with a bribe

meat inspectors were bribed, and the contaminated beef was sold to the public

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lure
• buy
• seduce
• entice
• persuade
• corrupt
• tempt
• poison
• have
• provoke
• pay off
• get at
• square
• induce
• motivate
• subvert
• prostitute
• bait
• oil the hand of
• dishonor
• spur
• taint
• deprave
• debauch
• debase
• demean
• tamper (with)
• pervert
• grease the hand of
• goad
• trap
• lead on
• degrade
• abase
• stimulate
• defile
• beguile
• allure
• fix
• profane
• warp
• flatter
• snare

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bribe

Noun

Prosecutors said Santana was paid thousands in bribes for smuggling contraband into the facility between May 2024 and June 2025. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

But the judge also noted Krneta’s dual role in facilitating the corruption of Tobolski, both paying bribes and collecting extortion payments from other contractors on the then-mayor’s behalf. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

Stories on family dynamics include being bribed with McDonald’s to keep secrets and coping with the loss of his mother before his father quickly remarried. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2026

And so the taboo there is, yeah, politicians could bribe rich people. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026