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 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 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 Bill Nighy plays a venal spycraft master who also is surprisingly good at computer coding. — Mark Kennedy, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 Even though a lot of what happens in the book borders on the ridiculous because of the behavior of narcissistic selfish venal individuals. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for venal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for venal

Adjective

For now, Colorado will lead the way, making our system a little less corruptible with a yes vote on Amendment 86.

— The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of corruptible

Adjective

Many Palestinians view it as corrupt and criticize its security cooperation with Israel.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Journalist Christiane Amanpour, who stepped out for the occasion in a red jacquard pantsuit by Derek Lam, echoed Clooney’s focus on providing protection for those relentlessly working to hold corrupt systems accountable.

— Christie Grimm, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of corrupt

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venal

venality

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“Venal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/venal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of venal

adjective

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