sops 1 of 2

Definition of sopsnext
plural of sop
as in bribes
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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sops

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sop
1
2
3
as in dips
to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid hesitant to sop his bread in gravy, no matter how delicious, at such a formal banquet

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sops
Noun
  • Part of the rationale to legalize sports gambling was that professional athletes make so much money that they wouldn’t be tempted by bribes.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • Seven top staff members of the state Attorney General's Office send a letter to the agency's human resources director, accusing Paxton of accepting bribes and abusing the power of his office.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • This syrup soaks into the cake, adding extra flavor and moisture.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026
  • Here, Oliphant puts audience on both sides of the performance (the mirror effect of traverse staging always induces self-reflection) and, along with scenic designer Emmie Finckel, absolutely soaks the room in atmosphere.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Another Pearl Girl wets herself when the Eyes come for Thalia.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026
  • Spray wets leaves and in the cool hours, leaves are susceptible to deadly molds and mildew.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • As the sun dips below the horizon, the air cools, and the stars become the main attraction.
    Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
  • Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, says Hilton could see a boost come Election Day on Tuesday if support for fellow Republican Chad Bianco dips.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Then there's the sun, whose light saturates the atmosphere from dawn until dusk, shielding the cosmos from our sight.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Otherwise, water saturates the soil and kills plants.
    Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The more militants are killed, the deeper the city drowns in militant Shia iconography.
    Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026
  • However, the actor does most of the heavy lifting, even as Nemes’ aesthetic approach drowns the frame in striking shadows — a contrast made deep and inviting by Mátyás Erdély’s 35mm photography.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Cinematographer Paul Guilhaume drenches the film in dark blues and grainy blacks, as deeply unsettling as Cristina’s canvases.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
  • Soil drenches or granular applications of systemic insecticides, such as imidacloprid or dinotefuran, will last longer and help prevent future infestations of aphids.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Beaches are routinely left covered in trash that washes into the ocean, degrading habitat and threatening marine animals through ingestion and entanglement.
    Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026
  • Rain typically washes pollen out of the air.
    Keerti Gopal, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026
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.

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“Sops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sops. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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