Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

bribe

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of bribe

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 of bribe

boodle, fix, sop
Words Related to bribe

kickback, payoff

slush fund

incentive, incitement, instigation, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulation, stimulus

boost, encouragement, goad, inducement

allurement, bait, enticement, lure, seduction, temptation, turn-on

flattery, persuasion

decoy, snare, trap

bribe

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of bribe

to influence someone with a bribe
  • bribed the inspectors to look the other way
Synonyms of bribe

buy, corrupt, have, pay off, square
Words Related to bribe

fix, tamper (with)

abase, debase, debauch, defile, degrade, demean, deprave, dishonor, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, taint, warp

allure, bait, beguile, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt

motivate, provoke, spur, stimulate

goad, induce

flatter, persuade

snare, trap
Phrases Synonymous with bribe

get at, grease the hand of (or grease the palm of), oil the hand of (or oil the palm of)

Learn More about bribe

  1. See words that rhyme with bribe Dictionary: Definition of bribe Spanish Central: Translation of bribe Nglish: Translation of bribe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bribe for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bribe? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games