VENAL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

venal

adjective

ˈvē-nᵊl

Definition of venal

as in corruptible

open to improper influence and especially bribery that judge is known for being venal and easily bought

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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 That landslide victory was galvanized by deadly street protests in the fall led by a Gen Z determined to purge a political old guard perceived as venal and out of touch. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 In his stead, the United States propped up the venal and repressive shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who proved to be a pliable ally readily serving its oil and armament interests. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 The cruel cartoon of a constantly shrewish, venal, and disloyal Mary began cementing itself in the public mind when William Herndon, Lincoln’s Springfield law partner, started lecturing about his reminiscences within months of the President’s murder. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 Berger and Nina Gold cast Tilda Swinton as Cynthia Blithe, the private investigator who tracks him, laser like, to China, with Fala Chen playing Dao Ming, the savvy hostess who sees something behind Doyle’s desperate tactics, and Alex Jennings as an expat of the most venal variety. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for venal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for venal

Adjective

Trump has tried to curtail mail-in voting by arguing the ballots easily corruptible, despite casting a ballot by mail himself in March.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Beef’s whole thing is finding the weak, corruptible center of all its characters, and Isaac jumps into that project with enthusiasm.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026

Definition of corruptible

Adjective

In reality, leaders on both sides are corrupt and always on the edge of disaster.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
My career actually focuses on bonding and preventing taxpayers from being on the hook for the failures of bankrupt and corrupt companies.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Definition of corrupt

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venal

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“Venal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of venal

adjective

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