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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
The new lawsuits from the ex-chiefs paint a portrait of an NYPD rife with dysfunction and corruption, revisiting a theme that has haunted Adams in his first term as mayor.
—
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
In broad daylight, amid credible claims of corruption, CBS has agreed to pay President Donald Trump's library $16 million for Federal Communication Commission (FCC) approval of a broadcast license transfer.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Trump also may expect something in return for his recent calls for Netanyahu’s corruption trial to be canceled — a significant interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state.
—Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
The law aims to curb corruption and undue influence in federal campaigns.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
In broad daylight, amid credible claims of corruption, CBS has agreed to pay President Donald Trump's library $16 million for Federal Communication Commission (FCC) approval of a broadcast license transfer.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Trump also may expect something in return for his recent calls for Netanyahu’s corruption trial to be canceled — a significant interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state.
—Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
The law aims to curb corruption and undue influence in federal campaigns.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 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
-
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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It was originally added to water systems to combat tooth decay but more recently has been scrutinized by critics citing studies that elevated exposure could reduce IQ levels in children.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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In a world where sugar consumption continues to rise, dentists are struggling to keep up with demand; by some estimates, nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide are now struggling with oral diseases and tooth decay.—
David Prosser,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Every year, villagers in Brittany gathered to have their sins forgiven, dance the gavotte, and watch the young townsmen wrestle after denouncing the devil.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
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Brazil is a beast soaked in the sins of environmental destruction and human rights violations.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
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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
-
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
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 18 Jul. 2025.
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