as in incentives
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
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as in buys
to influence someone with a bribe
meat inspectors were bribed, and the contaminated beef was sold to the public
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bribes
Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The casual acknowledgement of brushing off offers of bribes alarmed some Republican activists, who will endorse a candidate for governor at their state convention on May 16.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
It is alleged that some of the police officers received bribes from the winning bidders.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Over time, the brother earned the trust of party loyalists and built close relationships with local security officers, aided by bribes.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Christopher and Joseph Ponzo — ex-Stoneham police officers — defrauded a company to obtain tens of millions of dollars of Mass Save funds through paying bribes and kickbacks to company employees.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
According to The Associated Press, prosecutors are investigating whether the sisters accepted bribes or kickbacks in connection with the appropriation of city funds to a migrant shelter provider.
—Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
The feds are reportedly investing whether the three received bribes in exchange for actions taken on behalf of BHRAGS Home Care, a nonprofit that provides in-home services to the sick and elderly but expanded to also include emergency shelters for migrants.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
By then the city had already paid $11 million in settlements and $20 million to outside law firms over nine years to defend cases involving Watts, who led a crew of tactical officers accused of framing innocent people who wouldn’t pay bribes.
—Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
As with other criminal syndicates, the cartel has long oiled the gears of corruption with bribes.
—Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The casual acknowledgement of brushing off offers of bribes alarmed some Republican activists, who will endorse a candidate for governor at their state convention on May 16.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
It is alleged that some of the police officers received bribes from the winning bidders.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Over time, the brother earned the trust of party loyalists and built close relationships with local security officers, aided by bribes.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Christopher and Joseph Ponzo — ex-Stoneham police officers — defrauded a company to obtain tens of millions of dollars of Mass Save funds through paying bribes and kickbacks to company employees.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
According to The Associated Press, prosecutors are investigating whether the sisters accepted bribes or kickbacks in connection with the appropriation of city funds to a migrant shelter provider.
—Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
The feds are reportedly investing whether the three received bribes in exchange for actions taken on behalf of BHRAGS Home Care, a nonprofit that provides in-home services to the sick and elderly but expanded to also include emergency shelters for migrants.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
By then the city had already paid $11 million in settlements and $20 million to outside law firms over nine years to defend cases involving Watts, who led a crew of tactical officers accused of framing innocent people who wouldn’t pay bribes.
—Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
In one of the film’s most madcap and darkly comedic moments, Linda bribes her daughter with the promise of a pet hamster — who turns out to be a biter, desperate to escape its box.
—Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bribes
Noun
-
In response, Baltimore City officials created programs to boost affordable housing in various ways, including incentives to transform vacant homes.—
Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Some content creators are compensated, and this also creates problematic incentives in the system.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While Berkshire has generally not specified who buys specific stocks in the portfolio, Combs has been thought to favor technology and financials.—
Alex Crippen,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2026
-
As head of documentary and commissioning editor at VRT Canvas, Gommers buys, commissions, produces and co-produces standalone documentaries and documentary series alike.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hospitals have tried band-aid fixes, such as bed-tracking software and discharge lounges where patients can wait for paperwork or transport home.—
Elisabeth Rosenthal,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Some residents say rodents, broken elevators and sewage problems have been plaguing their apartment building for years, and fixes didn't come until the arrest.—
Noelle Lilley,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Newly opened Fowlescombe Farm, a 450-acre estate in south Devon, England, where Tamworth piglets and Manx Loaghtan sheep roam free and wildflowers are encouraged to be picked, lures guests with the promise of slow living.—
Jen Murphy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
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At the same time, Katie gets abducted by a mysterious neighbor (Hayat Kamille), who lures her in with her favorite chocolates.—
Gregory Nussen,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The victim of his sacrifice is Gretchen, a virgin whom Faust seduces and abandons in his devilish reverie, and who kills their illegitimate child.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Sensing Scarlet’s resolve to destroy him, Claudius poisons her.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One nanny will try to get to the bottom of it before all the partying, power and privilege corrupts her.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
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The criticism most often leveled at proposals to support journalism is that government money corrupts editorial independence, which is a very real concern.—
Julian Baron,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Borage An annual herb with bright bluish-purple flowers, borage entices important insects to the garden.—
Lauren David,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Loot boxes in the crosshairs James alleges Valve entices players to pay for a chance to win a rare virtual item, and that those rare items can be traded for real money in accordance with their rarity.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bribes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bribes. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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