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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.

Colbert described that as "a big fat bribe."

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

Fanatics uses these gatherings not to bribe or threaten their detractors into silence, but to educate them on the business.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

Brooklyn also alleged that his parents had "repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name", weeks before the ceremony.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

They will also tackle emergent and “hidden” forms of corruption, such as deferred bribe payments and “revolving doors” through which officials can move between public office and corporate jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

None were charged, but that may have been due to their willingness to pay a bribe to buy their freedom, says Hernandez.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

Vocabulary lists containing bribe

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