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Definitions

bribe

[brahyb] / braɪb /
NOUN
payoff to influence illegal or wrong activity
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blackmail compensation gift graft gratuity hush money incentive inducement kickback perk reward
STRONG
allurement bait contract enticement envelope feedbag goody gravy grease ice lagniappe lure payola perquisite present price protection remuneration sop sweetener sweetening take
WEAK
buyoff corrupt money corrupting gift fringe benefit influence peddling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
hindrance loss penalty
VERB
request silence, action, or inaction for money
Synonyms
STRONGEST
buy off corrupt entice pay off seduce tempt
STRONG
approach buy coax fix influence instigate lubricate lure pervert reward soap square suborn sugar tamper tip
WEAK
buy back do business get at get to grease palm make a deal oil palm sweeten the pot take care of
Antonyms
STRONG
leave alone straighten

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort from these persons and did not abuse my office," Alison-Madueke told the court.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Colbert described that as "a big fat bribe."

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

The line wrapped around the block; inside, prospective tenants were attempting to bribe the landlord.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

It was a $16 million bribe paid to a bully.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

Was it right, she questioned Kit, to bribe children into good behavior by these stories?

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Vocabulary lists containing bribe

Maus I: My Father Bleeds History

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Bronx Masquerade

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The Devil's Arithmetic

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