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
Yet, Trump’s words can’t simply be dismissed as venal or his usual hyperbole.
—
Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2025
Hackett, his bungalow neighbor Faye Greener (Karen Black), her vaudevillian has-been father (Burgess Meredith), assorted whores, hangers-on, venal studio executives, and a WASPy lunk — auspiciously named Homer Simpson (Donald Sutherland) — suckered by Hollywood’s erotic promise.
—Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025
But all along a toxic combination of venal Post Office management and a faulty computer system was to blame.
—John Arlidge, airmail.news, 11 May 2024
Goldblum also starred as the Grandmaster in Thor: Ragnarok, another ruler whose venal pursuit of power is only matched by his own stupidity.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for venal
Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2025
Hackett, his bungalow neighbor Faye Greener (Karen Black), her vaudevillian has-been father (Burgess Meredith), assorted whores, hangers-on, venal studio executives, and a WASPy lunk — auspiciously named Homer Simpson (Donald Sutherland) — suckered by Hollywood’s erotic promise.
—Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025
But all along a toxic combination of venal Post Office management and a faulty computer system was to blame.
—John Arlidge, airmail.news, 11 May 2024
Goldblum also starred as the Grandmaster in Thor: Ragnarok, another ruler whose venal pursuit of power is only matched by his own stupidity.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for venal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for venal
Adjective
-
Rosamund Pike adds her name to the cast list, starring as a diamond seller whose family launders their profits through corrupt back-channels.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
Countless cases have shown how these schemes have granted safe haven to corrupt actors from around the world and other suspicious individuals in the EU.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Venal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venal. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share