1
as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
the ancient Egyptians used special preservatives to spare their dead from complete corruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
the corruption of the upper classes eventually led to the fall of the Roman empire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in immorality
immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society
Socrates was put to death because the ancient Athenians believed he was spreading corruption to their youth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 corruption
Of course, Ukraine has endured a long and problematic scourge of high-level corruption, harkening back to the Soviet era and persisting into its independence.
—
Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
First, there will be a social message, usually against corruption.
—Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
The mayor’s arraignment on corruption charges occurred the same day her phones were seized.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025
The first is Sweeney Todd — an interesting choice, seeing as Stephen Sondheim’s cannibalistic tale explores themes of political corruption and the destructive forces of free markets.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for corruption 
Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
First, there will be a social message, usually against corruption.
—Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
The mayor’s arraignment on corruption charges occurred the same day her phones were seized.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025
The first is Sweeney Todd — an interesting choice, seeing as Stephen Sondheim’s cannibalistic tale explores themes of political corruption and the destructive forces of free markets.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for corruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption
Noun
-
Yet the devastation that Israel inflicted on Hezbollah last year, the general degradation of Iran’s militia network, and the failure of Tehran’s strategy of using Arab fighters as a forward defense against Israel and the U.S. were decisive.—
Hussein Ibish,
The Atlantic,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Users could still watch and download videos, but over time, this lack of updates could cause significant degradation of the app’s performance.—
Cherie Brooke Luo,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The film cares more for Romy’s enveloping sense of self than the depths of her immorality.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
26 Dec. 2024
-
What captivated me about the series was its unwillingness to sugarcoat the immorality of man.—
Jason Parham,
WIRED,
26 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Antisemitism remains a stark indicator of societal decay.—
Irwin Cotler,
TIME,
26 Jan. 2025
-
The presentation included more consistent street lighting, new pottery and trash cans, new wayfinding signage, repairs to uneven sidewalks, and replacements for trees that are showing signs of decay, among other changes.—
Tyler Williams,
Orlando Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Her final trial is a testament to her iron will and the sins she's been forged from.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Discovery role as Philippa Georgiou, the onetime Terran emperor who allies with the titular secret division of Starfleet — and in turn must face the sins of her past.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
His surreal, operatic films and television shows examined romance, consciousness, evil, and the enduring rot beneath suburban sheen and Hollywood glamor.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
17 Jan. 2025
-
These evils are sensational and appalling, and there’s an impulse to perceive them as existing outside of our realities, perpetrated by people who aren’t like us.—
Billy J. Stratton,
The Conversation,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Jesus’ injury history and Havertz’s profligacy are concerns and both came to the fore during their FA Cup exit against Manchester United on Sunday.—
James McNicholas,
The Athletic,
13 Jan. 2025
-
Post-match, head coach Julen Lopetegui lamented West Ham’s profligacy.—
Roshane Thomas,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near corruption
Cite this Entry
“Corruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corruption. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share