CORRUPTIONS Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

corruption

noun

kə-ˈrəp-shən

Definition of corruption

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 corruption However, Mattei built his career taking on cases of government accountability, public corruption, defamation and civil rights for more than two decades. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026 But the real reason is because of the corruption in the system. — Jack Fink, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 The case was one of many corruption scandals that plagued Ken Paxton during his decade-long tenure. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 The problem isn’t so much a question of bad manners or even of corruption. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corruption

Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption

Noun

His hands and legs were bound, duct tape covered his face, and his body was burned and showed signs of decomposition, according to the record.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026
Soil organic matter is a rich substance created by the decomposition of the carbon-rich litter layer above it, forming a layer that soil scientists call the O-horizon.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of decomposition

Noun

Since optical switches aren’t subject to the same amount of degradation as traditional mechanical switches, the representative argued, users won’t need to swap them over time.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
There are also practical questions around battery degradation, consumer compensation, privacy, and who gets to control an asset in someone’s home.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of degradation

Noun

Since the middle of the twentieth century, societies around the globe have undergone a collective revolution in standards and attitudes towards obscenity and immorality.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Independents said the worst thing about Republicans was their loyalty to Trump (10%), perceptions of corruption and self-enrichment (8%), dishonesty, hypocrisy or immorality (7%), a lack of concern for ordinary people or cruelty (6%), and ineffective and weak or unqualified leadership (5%).

— Emily Guskin, ABC News, 27 May 2026

Definition of immorality

Noun

The inspector reported that there were two carrots and one celery stalk that have white growth and decay in the container next to the juicer.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
Protesters in recent weeks have clashed with police to demand their government increase investments in public schools, which have long suffered from staff shortages and infrastructural decay.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of decay

Noun

Catholic teaching still calls suicide a grave sin, but recognizes mental illness can diminish responsibility; advocates want mental health ministries in parishes worldwide.

— Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
If the sin of Mars’ album was being too predictable, Styles’ bold and unexpected Kiss All the Time.

— Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

Rather than doing a literal adaptation, the creators kept the book’s DNA and tweaked the ideas of evil, temptation and power with a contemporary twist.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
But disagreement does not necessarily mean that one side possesses wisdom while the other possesses ignorance or evil.

— Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of evil

Noun

But soon after, in Genesis 18, God tells Abraham of plans to investigate reports of sinfulness in Sodom and Gomorrah.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
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

Definition of sinfulness

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corrupting

corruption

corruptness

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“Corruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corruption. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of corruption

noun

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