as in money
something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment
a politician who seems more interested in pelf than in policy
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Recent Examples of pelf
Thomasine and Bushrod join up (as sheriffs relate) and share their pelf with Mexicans, Native Americans, other Black people, and poor white people.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 May 2022
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 May 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pelf
Noun
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Nine of the top ten sets by brick count have been released in the last five years, and two of those are still to arrive, namely the LEGO Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, and a yet-to-be announced Lord of the Rings build (my money’s on Minas Tirith).—
Matt Gardner,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Instead, the money inmates pay to buy snacks and other items in the commissary covers the cost, something called the inmate welfare account.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
2 Feb. 2026
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The outside cash backing them likely represents the tip of the iceberg this year, observers said — especially in the first competitive Democratic governor’s race in over a decade where one candidate doesn’t promise to steamroll the competition’s spending with self-funding.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Green Day Green Day will be a part of an on-field performance just before the coin toss as the NFL honors Super Bowl MVPs of the past ahead of the 60th game in its history.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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There are literally thousands of potential bets on the game and everything surrounding it — from the coin toss to who will score the first touchdown to who will appear onscreen during the ads.—
David Hill,
Rolling Stone,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The International Monetary Fund recognizes seven other major reserve currencies, including euros, renminbi, Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, pounds sterling and Swiss francs.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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Both state actors and individual investors have turned to digital currencies, for different purposes.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Player props have become such a big and fun part of betting on the big game, so here are 11 that are worth sprinkling a few bucks on.—
KC Joyner,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Today, all flavors cost $6 except for the gluten-free Toffee-tastic cookies, which run 7 bucks.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelf. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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