as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision
as a sop to the teachers' union for supporting his reelection campaign, the mayor promised to push for the abolition of the residency requirement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to soak
to wet thoroughly with liquid
sopped the sponge with the detergent and began scrubbing the floor vigorously
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wet
to make wet
my book fell in the swimming pool and was thoroughly sopped before I could fish it out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dip
to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid
hesitant to sop his bread in gravy, no matter how delicious, at such a formal banquet
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sop
Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 4 July 2025
As a sop to preservationists, the university salvaged the 1848 façade and tower, keeping them freestanding and pointless, like a souvenir on a shelf.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Marcus was drying off while still in the pool, leaving his towel sopping wet.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sop
Noun
This being a French toy store, Arthaud does offer the occasional sop to adults.
—Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 4 July 2025
As a sop to preservationists, the university salvaged the 1848 façade and tower, keeping them freestanding and pointless, like a souvenir on a shelf.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025
Verb
After a sopping start to the new year, Southern California’s persistent drizzle is expected to wrap up by late Tuesday, ushering in a period of dry conditions, warmer temperatures and even some Santa Ana winds by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Marcus was drying off while still in the pool, leaving his towel sopping wet.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sop
Noun
-
Netanyahu is charged with breach of trust, fraud and accepting bribes in three separate cases accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy associates.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 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
Verb
-
Officials say soaking rain is needed to snuff out the larger fires.—
Emilie Megnien,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The primary suite boasts two walk-in closets and a spacious en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sprinkle an inch or two on top of the soil, then wet it with a hose to prevent the paper from blowing around.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Blot — don’t rub — and avoid over-wetting the mattress, which can lead to mold growth if moisture gets trapped inside.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Especially considering dipping into the 2027 draft class, which is projected to be stronger than this year’s.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But Tolentino is hardly the only person to ever dip a toe into shoplifting at Whole Foods.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Esa Lindell, Heiskanen’s primary partner, has been drowning at five-on-five, and the Stars have been outscored 5-0 with him on the ice.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Some appear to be cordially greeting viewers with a wave, while others evince the desperation of a person drowning.—
Dawn Chan,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fabric nipple pasties are typically disposable, since they can’t be washed.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
When a body washes ashore in the Long Island vacation town of Amity, police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) tries to close the beaches only to be overruled by the mayor, Vaughn (Murray Hamilton), who fears the loss of tourist revenue.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Families can immerse themselves in awe-inspiring landscapes and see rare wildlife, while having access to a wide array of activities back on board.—
Jessica Puckett,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Bennett describes her child as one who is constantly immersed in sound and rhythm, never missing an opportunity to sing and dance.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On Thursday, as news of the disappearances saturated local media, Abugharbieh once again turned to ChatGPT, according to the court record.—
Dan Sullivan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
If a cloth feels saturated halfway through the job, swap it out for a fresh one.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
