sop 1 of 2

as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision as a sop to the teachers' union for supporting his reelection campaign, the mayor promised to push for the abolition of the residency requirement

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sop

2 of 2

verb

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 sop
Noun
The compromise came in the form of two ‘coefficient places’, spots reserved for teams from those leagues that performed best across Europe’s three competitions in the previous season: a more palatable option, but nevertheless an obvious sop to the same vested interests. Sam Lee, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024 But these are just MacGuffins: sops to the Beltway superfans. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024
Verb
Plants do not want to stay sopping wet, so always stick your finger in the soil and check the moisture level before giving your plant a drink. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024 Here was a player listed at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds — and, to be clear, Reichard isn’t anywhere near 187 pounds sopping wet — flexing atop a much larger returner. Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 2 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for sop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sop
Noun
  • Porteous was convicted by the Senate in December 2010 on charges of accepting bribes and making false statements under penalty of perjury. ​​Rep.
    Brian Bennett, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The Public Integrity Section is responsible for bringing high profile cases against public officials who are accused of accepting bribes or flouting election laws.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When you're finished, allow the comforter to soak for about 20 minutes before gently flat-pressing out excess water—twisting or wringing it out will cause clumps to form.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Upstairs suite like ‘hotel room’ The luxurious primary bathroom is like a spa, featuring a triple-head shower and soaking tub.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Shivering in Cassidy’s arms, tears wetting her cheeks, naked, so vulnerable.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The weather will transition from sunny to wet from March 20 to March 31, that first week, with temperatures staying on the cooler side, the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast said.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Along with their burgers came chips, dipping cups of Whataburger’s specialty Fancy Ketchup and Spicy Ketchup, and a Whataburger chocolate chip cookie.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Choco-Shenanigans Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with white Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing and topped with green icing drizzles and gold coin glitter sprinkles.
    Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Businesses across sectors are drowning in information, yet many still haven’t found the right tools to manage, interpret, and act on it effectively.
    Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • According the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, the artist drowned after inhaling difluoroethane, and taking alprazolam (a generic form of Xanax).
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • An employee was seen sneezing directly into their hand and returning to work without washing their hands.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Because what’s really getting washed is the film as the paint rests safely beneath it.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Since announcing her move, she’s been documenting her efforts to immerse herself in Ireland’s festivities, including at the national St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, which is attended by roughly 500,000 people, according to the Associated Press.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Indulge in delicious cuisine and beverages, all while immersing yourself in the evening’s thrilling theme.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When the Tidal Basin floods, saltwater saturates the soil and can enter the roots of the trees.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The rain saturated the soils on mountainsides, and the U.S. Geological Survey documented more than 2,000 landslides.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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