Synonyms of corruption

corruption

noun

kə-ˈrəp-shən 

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

• decomposition
• decay
• rot
• putrefaction
• spoilage
• fermentation
• putrescence
• breakdown
• disintegration
• festering
• crumbling
• dissolution
• souring
• curdling
• moldering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• growth
• maturation
• ripening

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

• degradation
• corruptness
• dissoluteness
• turpitude
• debasement
• sinfulness
• perversion
• decadence
• degeneracy
• dissipation
• demoralization
• abjection
• evil
• degeneration
• depravity
• debauchery
• decadency
• libertinism
• degenerateness
• pervertedness
• rakishness
• immorality
• dissipatedness
• villainy
• wickedness
• libertinage
• squalor
• rot
• filth
• gangrene

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• morality
• goodness
• righteousness

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• immorality
• sin
• evil
• corruptness
• sinfulness
• evilness
• profligacy
• licentiousness
• depravity
• debauchery
• vice
• badness
• iniquity
• criminality
• libertinism
• bad
• libertinage
• ill
• turpitude
• iniquitousness
• wickedness
• vileness
• villainy
• dissoluteness
• unscrupulousness
• evildoing
• viciousness
• heinousness
• debasement
• villainousness
• degeneracy
• wrong
• perversion
• lewdness
• degeneration
• dissolution
• lasciviousness
• devilry
• meanness
• indecency
• looseness
• taboo
• abomination
• baseness
• fiendishness
• lechery
• dirtiness
• wantonness
• atrociousness
• wretchedness
• lowness
• depravedness
• lousiness
• anathema
• pervertedness
• despicableness
• reprehensibleness
• miserableness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• morality
• virtue
• right
• integrity
• legitimacy
• good
• honesty
• probity
• goodness
• righteousness
• uprightness
• rectitude
• honor
• purity
• scrupulousness
• innocence
• scrupulosity
• perfection
• chastity
• virtuousness
• correctness
• decency
• propriety
• blamelessness
• cleanness
• rightness
• pureness
• spotlessness
• seemliness
• decorousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of corruption

This tradition viewed progressive nationalism as using promises of reform and demagogic tirades against scapegoats abroad to distract from their own corruption and irresponsibility. — Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

The scale of the trading — which included as much as $25 million in sales of shares of both Microsoft and Amazon — has deepened concerns about the potential for corruption. — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Two brothers pursuing the American dream become entangled in a dangerous operation involving corruption, violence and the Russian mafia, while betrayal threatens their bond. — Ed Meza, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

Endless promises—to release tax returns, to end corruption, to deliver $5,000 checks—that never materialize. — John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026