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
-
The general sales tax increase puts money into the county’s general fund for five years and sunsets in October 2031.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
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That money will be used to add an additional $250 to the accounts of the first 25 million children who are 10 years old and under who live in zip codes where the median income is less than $150,000.—
Ella McCarthy,
Arkansas Online,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Carson’s entry took second prize and a thousand-dollar cash award.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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The deal was reportedly valued at over $1 billion and involved a mix of cash and stock.—
Amelia Lucas,Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
7 June 2026
Noun
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The President is also slated to appear on a number of coins, including a commemorative 24-karat gold coin and a $1 coin that will reportedly circulate as currency.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
29 May 2026
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In all recent drafts, the second round has gone in reverse order of win-loss record, with no lottery and ties settled by a coin toss.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The issue stalled in the Senate due to an unrelated debate over a proposal to block the creation of a central bank digital currency.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
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In its bid to shore up the currency, the central bank delivered a larger-than-expected 50 basis points hike in its meeting in May, and has intervened in the forex markets.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
How to make big, well, some bucks in late night?—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
29 May 2026
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Like any automaker, Jeep isn't afraid to collect a few bucks licensing out its brand to slap onto all kinds of basic lifestyle gear and consumer goods – from tote bags and tumblers to cheese boards and electric wine openers.—
C.C. Weiss
May 22,
New Atlas,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelf. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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