as in incentive
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 to lure
to influence someone with a bribe
meat inspectors were bribed, and the contaminated beef was sold to the public
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 bribe
Nectar Gan, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
According to the court documents, former Baldwin Park City Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco began soliciting bribes from companies seeking marijuana permits after the city started issuing them in 2017.
—Madeline Armstrong | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
Jack Nicas, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Spector in his first court case had pleaded guilty to helping bribe an assistant to an ex-Russian deputy prime minister.
—Reuters, NBC News, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bribe 
Noun
In the past, such roles have offered fertile ground for graft, especially bribes for promotions.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
According to the court documents, former Baldwin Park City Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco began soliciting bribes from companies seeking marijuana permits after the city started issuing them in 2017.
—Madeline Armstrong | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
Over time, investigators discovered that some of Brazil’s biggest companies — including a group behind the beef giant JBS, the state oil company Petrobras and Odebrecht — had been bribing officials in power across Latin America and Africa in exchange for lucrative government contracts.
—Jack Nicas, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Spector in his first court case had pleaded guilty to helping bribe an assistant to an ex-Russian deputy prime minister.
—Reuters, NBC News, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bribe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bribe
Noun
-
The Wolverines were so invested in talent retention that a One More Year Fund was launched to, as the name suggests, provide financial incentives for stars like Blake Corum to stay for one more year instead of turning pro.—
Matt Baker,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
-
Once a steadfast critic of Trump’s policies, Snoop’s presence on this stage left fans questioning whether financial incentives or a strategic rebranding motivated his change of heart.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Loyalty plans at chains from AMC (Stubs) to Angelika are helping to lure moviegoers.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2025
-
So far, the restaurants have been busy, Tanha said, adding that the brand’s hope is to lure locals as well as tourists.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Wall Street is expecting the company’s same-store sales to fall for the fourth consecutive quarter as consumers in the U.S. and China opt to get their caffeine fix elsewhere.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Instead, Maryland finished the stretch without two key contributors because of injury and is looking for fixes after three straight losses.—
Taylor Lyons,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
America may have bought itself time with restrictions on chip exports, but its AI lead just shrank dramatically despite those actions.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
The Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Sufferers struggle to pay bills, buy groceries and keep their utilities on.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
What to Know The new payments, known as Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), are being sent to eligible taxpayers who did not claim federal stimulus checks they were entitled to as part of their tax returns for 2021.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
-
From bailing out financial institutions in 2008 to funding government stimulus programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fed has consistently prioritized political expediency over economic fundamentals.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Eating and Drinking Make sure to carve out time for the gym because the property's dining venues seduce not just with food quality but also with outstanding design.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
-
The Medusa logo was chosen as a symbol of captivating beauty, seducing all those who behold it.—
Mattia Dognini,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
This storytelling reveals the leader’s motivations and principles, helping team members feel more connected to their vision and approach.—
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Police say Clarke has refused to speak or provide any motivation.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Trump’s firing of pro-labor Abruzzo and Wilcox is rumored to entice Amazon and SpaceX to challenge the constitutionality of the NLRB at the Supreme Court.—
Elaine Mallon,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Jan. 2025
-
As with many scams, the message contains a kernel of truth—enough to entice taxpayers to click.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
28 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to bribe
Thesaurus Entries Near bribe
Cite this Entry
“Bribe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bribe. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share