bribe 1 of 2

noun

ˈbrīb How to pronounce bribe (audio)
Definition of bribenext
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

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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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bribe
Noun
To conceal the scheme and hide the bribes, prosecutors say, Zhu entered into a sham retainer agreement with Carone’s younger brother, Anthony Carone, 54, who is alleged to have laundered the payments through his law firm. — Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 2 July 2026 At first glance, neither player seemed to be vulnerable to bribes from gamblers. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
The Nazis ordered the case closed after six months, and a local official was allegedly bribed to record his death as an accident to ensure Sindelar would have a state funeral. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026 Andrew openly discussed bribing law-enforcement officials in War Room chats, and bragged on social media about his connections. — Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bribe
  1. incentive
  2. lure
  3. fix
  4. buy
  5. stimulus
  6. seduce
  7. motivation
  8. entice
Noun
  • While the threshold sparked debate, the decree offers financial incentives for parties to merge by discounting registration fees for coalitions and alliances.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Administered by Proimágenes Colombia, Colombia’s CINA incentive (Audiovisual Investment Certificate) grants a transferable tax credit equal to 35% of eligible spending on audiovisual services in Colombia.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • Opened as a hotel in 1873, the property has attracted A-listers over the decades, including Alfred Hitchcock, Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and George Clooney (luring him from his own Como home nearby).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Over the last decade, China reversed its brain drain, luring thousands of skilled workers back home to help fuel its rise as a technology powerhouse.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of lure
Noun
  • Compression socks are a simple fix to improve circulation and to keep your lower extremities feeling energized.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Your adaptable mind spots small fixes quickly, while patience keeps family feelings warm as changes unfold.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
Definition of fix
Verb
  • Aethon has agreed to buy back a 25% stake in Adamas, and Aethon managing director Gordon Huddleston will serve as the Adamas CEO, representing Mitsubishi’s interests.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Under the new agreement, the $14 million debt will be forgiven, and Western Hills will instead buy water based on the community's actual demand.
    — Nina Burns, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of buy
Noun
  • The export and manufacturing-led economic resilience is expected to reinforce Beijing’s reluctance to roll out stimulus to revive tepid consumer demand.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2026
  • In Vibe Science studies, the autonomic nervous system shifts toward parasympathetic activation as the brain entrains to the stimulus, producing lower arousal and readiness for sleep and recovery.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of stimulus
Verb
  • With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Definition of seduce
Noun
  • Despite the injuries, Etxanobe said his motivation for participating is rooted in his connection to family heritage rather than adrenaline.
    — Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Kothari’s motivation for the app comes from a desire to address multiple issues at once.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of motivation
Verb
  • The play, which won the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize this year, entices on the page despite seeming overstuffed and curiously decentralized.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Despite rising costs, a number of properties throughout the country are keeping prices affordable to entice thrill-seekers.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Definition of entice

Browse Nearby Words

bribable
bribe
bribed
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Cite this Entry

“Bribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bribe. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of bribe for Spanish Speakers

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