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
  • Corrupt naval officers turned ports they were supposed to be supervising into bribe-laden smuggling hubs, authorities say.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Through subsequent court proceedings, prosecutors alleged Rozier accepted a $100,000 bribe to leave a 2023 Charlotte Hornets game early.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The single-sink bathroom vanity had just enough room for two, but the massive walk-in shower featured a soaking tub.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After two straight early morning practices soaked by rain, the Buffalo Bills finally got through a training camp session in the sunshine.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Arrange some small, flat stones around the puddle to give the butterflies a place to land, and then add enough water to moisten or wet the sand.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Pyne argues that Mediterranean Europe, much like California, is naturally predisposed to burn because of an annual cycle of wetting and drying.
    M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But just as staggering was one of the overnight lows, which dipped to only a searing 97 degrees F (36 degrees C)—a tie for the hottest low that the city’s ever seen, a record first set just three years ago.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 July 2026
  • Just a few months ago, mortgage rates dipped below 6% for the first time in years, fueling hopes that lower borrowing costs would revive the sluggish housing market.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • More than 80 migrants died, including some who drowned or were trampled in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier, according to Spanish and Moroccan authorities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Multiple media outlets reported that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the body as Best on Monday afternoon and ruled his cause of death as drowning.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The warning was to never wash her hands while wearing the ring, because the eye could wash away.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In response, temporary chemical toilets and hand-washing stations were installed, the department said.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The best option is to immerse a heat stroke victim in cold water.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 29 July 2026
  • Founded by wine expert Julia Coney and luxury travel specialist Claire Soares, the company moves beyond transactional tastings, immersing small groups in local food, culture, and traditions, viewing wine as a lifestyle.
    Taryn White, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • This is particularly true for workshop or kitchen towels that are saturated with any type of oil or grease.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In some cases, this can saturate or damage the charcoal canister and potentially lead to costly repairs.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026

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“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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