Definition of sopnext
as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision as a sop to the teachers' union for supporting his reelection campaign, the mayor promised to push for the abolition of the residency requirement

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sop

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sop
Noun
The implication is that the Republican tax reform was intended as a sop to the rich and designed to favor only the president’s supporters. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 This was seen as a sop to the luxury sector of manufacturers like Ferrari, Aston Martin, Volkswagen’s Bentley and Lamborghini. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
Drying off won’t leave these absorbent towels sopping wet. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026 In the away end, on this putrid, sopping evening in N17, the bigger picture is steamrolled by the small. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sop
Noun
  • Benítez is accused of releasing Clark from custody after accepting the bribe payments, according to the statement.
    — Amy Taxin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • While some critics cast this proposal as a bribe, the president has defended it and repeated the pledge at campaign rallies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Heavy rain and a few thunderstorms are soaking parts of Brooklyn as even heavier thunderstorms churn off the coast just to the south.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The primary suite, which is set up in one of the original coal sheds on the ground level, is outfitted with a kiva-style fireplace, skylights, a soaking tub, and French doors opening to a flagstone patio overlooking the creek.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Some wet their beds, experience chest pains, or cry out at night.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • When the timer dinged, Ernest carried his rats to the sink and wet them gently, one at a time.
    — Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Some organizations are dipping their toes in the water by using AI for basic functions, like summarizing spreadsheets or drafting marketing material.
    — Kim Quillen, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • After one of Kansas City’s warmest starts to fall on record, a sharp chill is on the way, with temperatures expected to dip below freezing Friday and Saturday mornings, according to the National Weather Service.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Theiss’ wife filed a police complaint alleging that the men were shocked while trying to get out of the pool and drowned, NDTV reported.
    — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 31 Oct. 2026
  • And Saturday, with the game temporarily relocated to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Gators couldn’t even drown their sorrows in the usual Jacksonville sunshine.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Computer modeling of the results suggests half of the plastic bottles washing into the Great Lakes and oceans every year come from at least 10 miles and up to 120 miles away, the scientists reported.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • From washing dishes at a Denny's to running the most valuable company in the world.
    — Kif Leswing,Annie Palmer,Kevin Breuninger,Samantha Subin,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout, Dirand immersed himself in Mizner’s doors, ceilings, and patterns so that the new rooms would be a true homage rather than a copy.
    — Lucas Oliver Mill, Architectural Digest, 11 Nov. 2026
  • But he was also immersed in the jazz scene in New York and kept periodically returning to this life of drinking and carousing, even after his baptism.
    — Namara Smith, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In today’s world, where screens saturate everything from the dentist’s office to the classroom, kids enter the digital world early.
    — Stephanie Ganz Published, Parents, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The market has grown saturated with generic rhetoric emphasizing the need for empathy or good communication.
    — Marco Stefanini, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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