CORRUPTIONS 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 His office was responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, including those related to immigration, terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2026 He is also accused of corruption and threatening democratic institutions. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Williamson served as his chief of staff from late 2022 to November 2024, the same month FBI agents first questioned her about her role in the corruption scheme. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Even where there are stable governments, corruption and abuse remain endemic. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for corruption

Recent Examples of Synonyms for corruption

Noun

Soil organic matter is a rich substance created by the decomposition of the carbon-rich litter layer above it, forming a layer that soil scientists call the O-horizon.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
The prosecutor then showed the jury Daniela’s shirt, which the detective said was stained by brown decomposition fluid, and Julia’s clothing, including her underwear soaked in blood.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of decomposition

Noun

Since optical switches aren’t subject to the same amount of degradation as traditional mechanical switches, the representative argued, users won’t need to swap them over time.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
There are also practical questions around battery degradation, consumer compensation, privacy, and who gets to control an asset in someone’s home.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of degradation

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

Radioisotope power systems convert heat from radioactive decay into electricity.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Conversely, modern concrete is subject to irreversible decay, a form of disintegration owing to its formation as a composite of cement and aggregate materials, such as gravel and sand.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of decay

Noun

Now Trump’s folks are rounding up and deporting people who were jailed in their home country for the sin of defending democracy.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
De Biase explained how a snake is associated with Eve and the story of sin in the Bible — but the shoe reframes the connotation of the snake.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

How much capacity do people really have to choose between goodness and evil?

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Both Dussehra and Vijayadashami are observed on the 10th day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvina and are associated with the triumph of good over evil.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of corruption

noun

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