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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corruption
Others see good, old-fashioned corruption.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Schettone is charged with indecent assault without consent, indecent assault of a victim under 13, corruption of minors and harassment by physical contact, police said in the announcement of the arrest.
—Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Each year, the United Nations puts together a list of the happiest countries in the world, comparing a wide variety of criteria, from average incomes and healthcare standards to levels of generosity and the absence of corruption.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
The fundamental sources of our troubles, going back half a century, are economic inequality, political paralysis, corruption, mass immigration, and cultural and technological upheavals.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Schettone is charged with indecent assault without consent, indecent assault of a victim under 13, corruption of minors and harassment by physical contact, police said in the announcement of the arrest.
—Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Each year, the United Nations puts together a list of the happiest countries in the world, comparing a wide variety of criteria, from average incomes and healthcare standards to levels of generosity and the absence of corruption.
—Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
The fundamental sources of our troubles, going back half a century, are economic inequality, political paralysis, corruption, mass immigration, and cultural and technological upheavals.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption
Noun
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In addition, warmer water temperatures and the decomposition of organic material can promote bacterial growth.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
19 Mar. 2026
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But when it’s placed in a landfill, its decomposition emits significant greenhouse gases.—
Ahmed Ibrahim Yunus,
The Conversation,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What’s more, the team observed no structural degradation in the electrochemical core during the test period.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Mar. 2026
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The answer is not much—Fennell makes explicit, via sadomasochism, the power differentials and emotional degradations that are so often ambiguous in the original.—
Rhian Sasseen,
The Atlantic,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Rather, a lengthy process can be initiated to remove a member from office for gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, drunkenness, or other misconduct, the Ohio School Board Association stated.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Mar. 2026
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Courteney Cox‘s dogged reporter/stand-in for media immorality Gale Weathers will naturally be on the scene once again, as well a host of recurring characters, fan favorites, and old faces from all six of the previous entries.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Many cracked and leaked from decades of decay, letting rain in and worsening backups that surge through maintenance hole covers, drain into city rivers and flow into basements.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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That debt has been settled in full by five decades of theocratic brutality and economic decay.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The tale of Eve being blamed for the sin of man in the Garden of Eden was also a strong inspiration.—
Jada Yuan,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2026
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McNair spoke, unsuccessfully, before an Alabama Legislature that wanted to limit how schools teach events, such as the bombing that killed her sister, lest White children feel guilt for the sins of their forebears.—
John Archibald,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The spice is one of seven items placed on the table for Nowruz, and represents dawn pushing out darkness, and the triumph of good over evil.—
Shaddi Abusaid,
AJC.com,
20 Mar. 2026
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The movie addresses metaphysical questions such as the egregore of a generation, the nature of evil, and the search for God in times of His absence.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
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This lawless crew shares dramaturgical DNA with the vice figures from medieval morality plays, personifications of sinfulness who would confide their schemes to the audience and make theatergoers their co-conspirators in a riveting game that obviously left its mark on a young Shakespeare.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness.—
William Earl,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Corruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corruption. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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