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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of corruption
Democratic reconstruction was slow, and even today, Panama faces clientelism, corruption, low trust in institutions and fragile rule of law.
—
Cristina Guevara, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Selby’s suggestion about adding context sent Virginia to the 58th Street library, digging into books on topics ranging from America in the 1920s to the history of prostitution to Judge Samuel Seabury’s corruption investigations.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
As the agency doubled in size, corruption cases spiked, including bribery, smuggling and cartel infiltration.
—Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
This had nothing to do with a narco-terrorist, drug cartels or corruption.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corruption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption
Noun
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On the property, there were 27 deceased dogs documented since August 1st alone, all in varying stages of decomposition.—
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The organic matter component of soil derives from the natural decomposition of dead plants, microorganisms, and small soil animals.—
Noun
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That selectivity creates a stable interface and avoids many of the degradation pathways that plague liquid-electrolyte cells.—
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Scarce arable land and soil degradation further constrain food production.—
Noun
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One celebrates the beauty and moral uplift of the Sabbath; the other denounces the immorality of the godless in the fiery manner of a tent-revival preacher.—
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Advised by Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell, who sincerely believed in the Reformation, Henry started with accusations of corruption and immorality in the Church, then used intimidation and changes to the law to transfer all the wealth and land to himself.—
Noun
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Teeth become diseased with decay and resorptive lesions and, when removed, these cats often lead much happier and more comfortable lives.—
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These fission reactors relied on the slow decay of uranium to generate heat and electricity.—
Noun
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That, plus the lack of talent and cap space thanks to the sins of the Deshaun Watson contract, for which general manager Andrew Berry was somehow spared, makes life difficult for whatever quarterback(s) start for the Browns in 2026.—
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Yet what elevates the show is its focus on gender relations and atoning for the sins of the past, adding layers of depth beyond its lurid plotting and somewhat ridiculousness.—
Noun
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An evil, narcoterrorist dictator has fallen, creating a path for freedom for the wonderful, highly intelligent, hard working people of Venezuela.—
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The Cult of the Real Housewife docuseries also relies on cult expert Steven Hassan to better understand how Mary Cosby and Bishop Cosby could allegedly manipulate and coerce their followers into handing over their life savings to people seen as faith healers capable of delivering them from evil.—
Noun
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That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness.—
Noun
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The State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s finances have been in a continuous downward spiral because of their unbalanced budgets, spending, profligacy, and inability — especially from Chicago — to deal with the staggering unfunded pension liabilities.—
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Gold’s record highs are primarily a function of a lack of faith in governments to restrain their fiscal profligacy.—
Cite this Entry
“Corruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corruption. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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