CORRUPTION Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

corruption

noun

kə-ˈrəp-shən

Definition of corruption

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 corruption Former mayor Harry Sidhu went to prison on corruption charges, and the two parties never re-engaged on talks. — Sam Blum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Russia’s satellite industry has long suffered from chronic underfunding, corruption, production bottlenecks, and reliability problems. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 Their narrators worry about the corruption of their music scenes by news presenters, magazine writers, major-label scouts, and (for Goetz especially) academics. — Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026 Velasco says corruption and low oil prices in the early 2000s contributed to the dilapidated state of Venezuela's facilities. — Willa Rubin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corruption

Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption

Noun

High humidity and sweltering heat accelerated decomposition, compounding the challenges as health experts warned that leaving the remains exposed could increase the risk of disease.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
The display was set up by police, with authorities saying some of the bodies recovered from the floods were in an advanced state of decomposition, making physical identification difficult.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of decomposition

Noun

Since the middle of the twentieth century, societies around the globe have undergone a collective revolution in standards and attitudes towards obscenity and immorality.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Independents said the worst thing about Republicans was their loyalty to Trump (10%), perceptions of corruption and self-enrichment (8%), dishonesty, hypocrisy or immorality (7%), a lack of concern for ordinary people or cruelty (6%), and ineffective and weak or unqualified leadership (5%).

— Emily Guskin, ABC News, 27 May 2026

Definition of immorality

Noun

In a total power blackout, the plant removes residual decay heat through natural convection rather than emergency electrical pumps or operator intervention.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Waytowich said crime is a symptom of much deeper problems on the north side of Jacksonville, from neighborhood decay to generational trauma and lack of job opportunities.

— Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of decay

Noun

Summaries of their sins and absurdities have now filled several books, but a sampler is instructive.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Moro scored for Argentina from a free kick after a five meter scrum after Australia had defended stoutly with 14 men, with Harry Potter in the sin bin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

Conceived as the female counterpart to Superman and Batman, the heroine is an Amazon who fights against injustice and the forces of evil, driven by an ideal of equality and peace.

— Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
The San Francisco Ballet production, which debuted in 2024, retells the myth of Pandora, who opened the box that unleashed humanity’s evil into the world.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of evil

Noun

But soon after, in Genesis 18, God tells Abraham of plans to investigate reports of sinfulness in Sodom and Gomorrah.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.

— Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026

Definition of sinfulness

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corrupting

corruption

corruptness

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“Corruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corruption. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of corruption

noun

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