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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corruption
Avatar is very much a look at environmentalism, and ravaging natural resources for greed and corruption.
—
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 27 June 2025
Kenyan youth remain unhappy with the current administration over corruption, rising cost of living, police brutality and the recent death of a blogger in custody.
—Arkansas Online, 26 June 2025
Its small, supermajority Latino cities have long been synonymous with political corruption and never seem to get a lucky break from their leaders, even as Gonzalez’s generation has vowed not to repeat the sins of the past.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office claims that corruption tied to these export permits cost the state 12.3 trillion rupiah ($755 million).
—Lionel Lim, Fortune, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 27 June 2025
Kenyan youth remain unhappy with the current administration over corruption, rising cost of living, police brutality and the recent death of a blogger in custody.
—Arkansas Online, 26 June 2025
Its small, supermajority Latino cities have long been synonymous with political corruption and never seem to get a lucky break from their leaders, even as Gonzalez’s generation has vowed not to repeat the sins of the past.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office claims that corruption tied to these export permits cost the state 12.3 trillion rupiah ($755 million).
—Lionel Lim, Fortune, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption
Noun
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In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey reported that projected coral reef degradation in Florida could increase the coastal flood risk to more than 7,300 people at the cost of $823.6 million annually.—
Rafe Pomerance,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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The administration cited the degradation of the current FBI complex as a reason for the move.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
Noun
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In a Code world, no film should risk lowering an audience’s moral standards nor should evil or immorality be presented except as a cautionary tale.—
Betsy Golden Kellem,
JSTOR Daily,
25 June 2025
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Omari’s father, Hassan (J. Paul Nicholas), is the conservative Muslim governor of Mombasa, fond of attacking the immorality in nightclubs like the Moto Moto, where most of Goddess is set, though he’s withdrawn from his reelection campaign after an illness.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Sections of peeling bark or cracks in the bark can signal infestation or decay.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
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This reflects the idea of decay or rot associated with damp, earthy conditions.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
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The Lorde’s Virgin birth came on June 27, and it was born with sin.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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As a result, anyone who sought treatment for a physical illness at St. Leonard’s Hospital first had to confess their sins and have their soul cleansed.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Andy, once a centuries-old immortal who has now lost her healing powers, must race across continents to recover her magic, all the while facing deadly mercenaries and ancient evils.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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The motive can be summarized as pure agency, pure evil; in other words, premeditated murder.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
4 July 2025
Noun
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The United States can sustain the eye-popping profligacy of its national debt only because investors consider the U.S. dollar to be a safe haven.—
KORI SCHAKE,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
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Modern Paris is an elegant monument to Haussmann’s profligacy; he was fired for spending stupefying sums of public money to force it up like winter tulips.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Corruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corruption. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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