as in corruptible
open to improper influence and especially bribery
that judge is known for being venal and easily bought
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 venal
They are easily shot down by venal lobbyists, conformist consultants, cynical national diplomats, and, in a deliciously Machiavellian scene, a suave official sitting atop the European Commission.
—
Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
They have also been undermined by myopic or venal leaders who have no interest in long-term global issues and refuse to take the problem seriously.
—William Nordhaus, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2020
But the military mostly exists on paper: There’s barely a chain of command and officers are notoriously venal.
—Emmet Livingstone, The Dial, 20 Mar. 2025
That entire ecosystem comes after and targets you in the most venal way.
—Milton Guevara, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for venal
Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019
They have also been undermined by myopic or venal leaders who have no interest in long-term global issues and refuse to take the problem seriously.
—William Nordhaus, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2020
But the military mostly exists on paper: There’s barely a chain of command and officers are notoriously venal.
—Emmet Livingstone, The Dial, 20 Mar. 2025
That entire ecosystem comes after and targets you in the most venal way.
—Milton Guevara, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for venal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for venal
corrupt
Adjective
-
Many of Trump's supporters dislike Zelensky, viewing him as corrupt and an obstacle to peace.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
-
Vote out the trustees enabling this corrupt culture.—
Amy Reichert,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Venal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share