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
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 When the sopping girl has joined them on the beach, one of the producers separates from the huddle of production personnel. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sop
Noun
  • The lawsuit, filed by Biden in 2023, centered on claims Byrne made in interviews and online that Biden had sought an $800 million bribe from Iran while his father, former President Joe Biden, was in office.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • In my friend’s case, he was allowed to move on without paying a bribe.
    Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Lime and hard-water deposits can be removed by soaking all the parts in warm white vinegar for a few hours.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026
  • For things with a thicker skin (apples, zucchinis, potatoes), take a vegetable brush, gently brush each piece, then allow to soak for 15 minutes.
    Lauren Murdoch-Smith, Vogue, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Reduce irrigation to only once or twice a week to wet the soil to help control this problem.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • The mountain thunderstorms are expected to continue Monday and Tuesday but should be accompanied by wetting rains that dampen fire risk, with about a tenth of an inch of precipitation, Molina said.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Americans' confidence in the court system and democracy has dipped in recent years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • The looping, dipping shot by Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov from an improbably tight angle was voted best goal of the first round.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • According to police, detectives determined that Roper and the juvenile were present when Erving drowned but failed to report the incident and later discarded some of his belongings.
    Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • The incident occurred on the Elk River in Noel, Missouri, at the beach of the Two Sons Campground, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol drowning report.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Some physicians recommend washing your mouth out after use by gargling and rinsing your mouth with water.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The optimal times to use hair oil are before washing your hair or after a blow-dry.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • The show finds the comedian bonding with famous sports figures while immersed in tubs filled with ice, which brings an uncomfortable comedic urgency to their chats.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • From food and activities to the overarching culture, players had the opportunity to be immersed in locals’ everyday go-tos.
    Zuri Primos July 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • When looking at all 12 months, June and July are the most saturated with deals across the widest range of categories.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
  • In addition to the heat and humidity, Saharan Dust has saturated the air across most of Florida.
    Scott Withers, CBS News, 12 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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