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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corruption
Because when a candidate is OK with corruption and cover-ups - something is broken.
—
Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Security has become one of the top concerns for voters in Colombia, along with corruption and the state of the nation’s healthcare system.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
The raid on Tuesday was just the latest by federal agents amid a sprawling series of probes into possible political corruption across the East Bay.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Hilton has also attacked Becerra’s connection to a corruption scandal involving his former advisor and chief of staff, who pleaded guilty to siphoning around $225,000 from Becerra’s dormant campaign account.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Security has become one of the top concerns for voters in Colombia, along with corruption and the state of the nation’s healthcare system.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
The raid on Tuesday was just the latest by federal agents amid a sprawling series of probes into possible political corruption across the East Bay.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Hilton has also attacked Becerra’s connection to a corruption scandal involving his former advisor and chief of staff, who pleaded guilty to siphoning around $225,000 from Becerra’s dormant campaign account.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption
Noun
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Seasoned explorers will generally bring gas meters to check for dangerous levels of fumes, including potentially flammable hydrogen sulfide, which is produced by decomposition, Duncan said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
-
The octopus had been preserved in formaldehyde, which halts decomposition.—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
Noun
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For millennia, glacial ice and freezing temperatures protected Ötzi’s body — and microbes — from degradation and decay.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
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Researchers also confirmed the antenna could split beams between multiple users with minimal signal degradation.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
Noun
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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
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Following this tendency might finally cure us not only of indigestion but also the ancient immorality of eating other organisms.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Your local climate dictates specific maintenance needs, such as checking for rust in coastal areas or rubber decay in hot regions.—
Danny Smith,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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Enamel erosion makes teeth more susceptible to sensitivity, staining, and decay.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
3 June 2026
Noun
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My youth was my downfall, my sin love, and the go-between a snowy day.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
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For pilgrims, Hajj, performed over five days, can be a deeply moving spiritual experience and a chance to seek God’s forgiveness and the erasure of past sins.—
Baraa Anwer,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Noun
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Because of good people who stood up to evil, my family was able to come to America and build a life in South Florida.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
28 May 2026
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And prepare for a chant about good and evil that defines the village people’s identity.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
28 May 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 12 Jun. 2026.
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