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

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

Even though a lot of what happens in the book borders on the ridiculous because of the behavior of narcissistic selfish venal individuals. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025

One argued that what Janis took to be a herd mentality might just as well be seen as deliberate, venal compliance. — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025

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