Synonyms of venal

venal

adjective

ˈvē-nᵊl 

as in corruptible

open to improper influence and especially bribery

that judge is known for being venal and easily bought

Synonyms & Similar Words

• corruptible
• corrupt
• dirty
• crooked
• corrupted
• mercenary
• purchasable
• bribable
• dishonest
• vicious
• unscrupulous
• unprincipled
• Machiavellian
• bad
• depraved
• unethical
• immoral
• unmoral
• dissolute
• nefarious
• debased
• cutthroat
• degenerate
• evil
• iniquitous
• perverted
• hack
• debauched
• sleazy
• perverse
• sinful
• wicked
• warped
• degraded
• demoralized
• temptable
• reprobate
• dissipated
• vitiated
• defiled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ethical
• honest
• moral
• incorruptible
• virtuous
• good
• righteous
• scrupulous
• principled
• upright

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of venal

In his stead, the United States propped up the venal and repressive shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who proved to be a pliable ally readily serving its oil and armament interests. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

The cruel cartoon of a constantly shrewish, venal, and disloyal Mary began cementing itself in the public mind when William Herndon, Lincoln’s Springfield law partner, started lecturing about his reminiscences within months of the President’s murder. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

That landslide victory was galvanized by deadly street protests in the fall led by a Gen Z determined to purge a political old guard perceived as venal and out of touch. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

Bill Nighy plays a venal spycraft master who also is surprisingly good at computer coding. — Mark Kennedy, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026

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