as in incentives
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision
that judge refused a huge bribe to dismiss the charges against the wealthy defendant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in buys
to influence someone with a bribe
meat inspectors were bribed, and the contaminated beef was sold to the public
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bribes
Chloe Atkins,
NBC news,
2 July 2026
Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens was indicted in November 2024 after two FBI agents posing as real estate developers offered bribes to him and the other officials to greenlight a development project.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
At first glance, neither player seemed to be vulnerable to bribes from gamblers.
—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Beasley, for his part, allegedly received bribes to pay off his debts.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
29 June 2026
According to prosecutors, Eidleh deposited more than $5 million in fraud proceeds, kickbacks and bribes into accounts associated with shell companies in an effort to conceal the source of the money.
—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
Abdikerm Eidleh Investigators allege Eidleh personally collected $5 million in bribes and kickbacks after instructing restaurants and catering businesses to inflate receipts submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education for reimbursement.
—
Jonah Kaplan,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Frank Carone agreed to accept bribes from Zhu and Chen, funneled through Anthony Carone, in exchange for steering a multimillion-dollar contract to house migrants at their Long Island City hotel, the indictment alleges.
—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Her scheme also entailed the payment of bribes and kickbacks, according to prosecutors.
—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Rachel Brodsky,
Rolling Stone,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
To conceal the scheme and hide the bribes, prosecutors say, Zhu entered into a sham retainer agreement with Carone’s younger brother, Anthony Carone, 54, who is alleged to have laundered the payments through his law firm.
—
Chloe Atkins,
NBC news,
2 July 2026
Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens was indicted in November 2024 after two FBI agents posing as real estate developers offered bribes to him and the other officials to greenlight a development project.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
At first glance, neither player seemed to be vulnerable to bribes from gamblers.
—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Beasley, for his part, allegedly received bribes to pay off his debts.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
29 June 2026
According to prosecutors, Eidleh deposited more than $5 million in fraud proceeds, kickbacks and bribes into accounts associated with shell companies in an effort to conceal the source of the money.
—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
Abdikerm Eidleh Investigators allege Eidleh personally collected $5 million in bribes and kickbacks after instructing restaurants and catering businesses to inflate receipts submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education for reimbursement.
—
Jonah Kaplan,
CBS News,
26 June 2026
Frank Carone agreed to accept bribes from Zhu and Chen, funneled through Anthony Carone, in exchange for steering a multimillion-dollar contract to house migrants at their Long Island City hotel, the indictment alleges.
—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Her scheme also entailed the payment of bribes and kickbacks, according to prosecutors.
—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Verb
In one of the film’s most madcap and darkly comedic moments, Linda bribes her daughter with the promise of a pet hamster — who turns out to be a biter, desperate to escape its box.
—
Rachel Brodsky,
Rolling Stone,
8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bribes
Noun
-
Unlike the federal tax credits that expired in September, these incentives offer an instant discount and don’t require buyers to apply for credit later.
-
The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Verb
-
And, when its time to sell, APMEX also buys gold, silver and platinum from consumers.
-
If a couple buys a house together that’s going to be their marital residence, for example, a prenup may specify who owns it and how.
Noun
-
After two years of struggle, a new developer, Iceflake Studios, has taken the helm, implementing extensive bug fixes and performance enhancements.
-
As with any financial shortfall, the fixes either increase revenue or slash expenses.
Verb
-
That is, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing.
-
Sure, Antarctica has penguins, but the Arctic lures travelers north with polar bears and walruses, especially in the remote Svalbard archipelago.
Verb
-
Blyth was nominated in the supporting role as Mildred's spoiled daughter, Veda, who seduces her mother's second husband (Zachary Scott), then riddles him with bullets in a jealous rage.
-
Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.
Verb
-
Despite her initial disinterest, Kara develops a personal stake when Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), the one who killed Ruthye's parents and brother, poisons her dog Krypto.
-
In the film, Cady also poisons the family dog, Benjamin.
Verb
-
Forgetting his bond with the land, Mariano awakens the Ch’iqmi, a dark force that corrupts his people.
-
One nanny will try to get to the bottom of it before all the partying, power and privilege corrupts her.
Verb
-
In a European women’s football ecosystem that still relies predominantly on the beneficence of men’s football, Kang’s bullishness to put her money where her mouth is naturally entices.
-
Named for the English resort city of Bath, Bath County entices visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
Cite this Entry
“Bribes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bribes. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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