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
• criminality
• badness
• vice
• iniquity
• 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

However, Talarico’s team has studied the previous races and is attempting its own version of the playbook by trying to paint Paxton as part of a broader culture of corruption that has failed to improve people’s lives. — Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

This is different than the private enrichment model of typical authoritarian regimes where wealth accumulates through corruption and consists of private assets, offshore accounts, companies and family fortunes. — Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’s emphasis on corruption reflects rising concern among voters about government ethics. — Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 29 July 2026

Kennedy has repeatedly made claims about corruption and lying in America’s health agencies, without providing evidence to back them up. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 28 July 2026