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corrupt

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective corrupt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of corrupt are degenerate, iniquitous, nefarious, vicious, and villainous. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When might degenerate be a better fit than corrupt?

The meanings of degenerate and corrupt largely overlap; however, degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When is iniquitous a more appropriate choice than corrupt?

Although the words iniquitous and corrupt have much in common, iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

In what contexts can nefarious take the place of corrupt?

The synonyms nefarious and corrupt are sometimes interchangeable, but nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

When would vicious be a good substitute for corrupt?

While in some cases nearly identical to corrupt, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

When can villainous be used instead of corrupt?

While the synonyms villainous and corrupt are close in meaning, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

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 corrupt
Adjective
Seeking national injunctions has been their most corrupt weapon. Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025 In yet another settlement, Leonard Gipson could receive $1.2 million after being sentenced to four years in prison after a corrupt police officer allegedly planted drugs on him twice. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Verb
Although Harvard is an institution that has been corrupted by politics and would be well served to voluntarily adopt most of Trump’s demands on it, the university has a good shot at prevailing in a legal fight on the grounds that Trump failed to follow the necessary statutory process. The Editors, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025 And the disease was a politics that was corrupted by the most powerful in our society: billionaires and oligarchs and corporate CEOs. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for corrupt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corrupt
Adjective
  • Maltz served as the lead author on a meta-analysis of how soil inoculation with different species of mycorrhizal fungi can affect degraded ecosystems.
    Lauren Oster, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
  • For example, sponsor initiatives to restore degraded ecosystems, protect endangered species or support reforestation.
    Jamie Houston, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Watering them during this time can cause the bulbs to rot, especially in warm, humid conditions.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
  • The rotting teeth of our children because of this fluoride ban is a metaphor for the rot in our government.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Plus, this rash guard’s fabric blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, though keep in mind that frequent laundering will degrade the UV-blocking ability over time.5 In general, it’s recommended that UPF clothing be replaced after 40-50 washes.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 19 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Erebus is at risk of degrading due to strong currents.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Qatar also allegedly bribed FIFA officials for the rights to the World Cup in the first place.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • Hackers have been stealing Coinbase customer information by bribing the company’s overseas support agents for access.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • This is a vital step not just for those currently facing a terminal diagnosis, but for the many Californians who aren’t sick now but may be someday.
    Christie Golemb, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Parents might use those days to stay home with a sick child, while others might use a non-work day to help a family member in need or take a pet to the vet.
    Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • However, when viruses were exposed to sunlight, many of them did not survive as long, decaying in under 24 hours.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The result was not only environmental catastrophe but license for unchecked consumption of cheap plastic goods that can take a few minutes to use but hundreds of years to decay.
    Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This opens the door to whole new fields of enterprise, ethical and criminal, involving influencing the actions of—or simply subverting—AI agents.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • The Incoherent Case for Tariffs Trump’s fixation on economic coercion will subvert his economic goals.
    Antony J. Blinken, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Among them is Tonic, which stars Blair (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For) as Sebastian Poe, a struggling jazz pianist who is given 24 hours to kill a dangerous drug dealer (Westwick) by a crooked cop (Jaso Coviello), and spirals into a moral and emotional tailspin.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • Cigarette smoke, dames to kill for, crooked cops — latex super suit?
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Corrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corrupt. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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