Meaning & use

bribe

noun·Everyday

Money or a favor offered to someone to dishonestly influence their behavior or decisions.

See it in a sentence

The official was arrested after accepting bribes from a construction company seeking permits.

He offered the guard a bribe in a desperate attempt to avoid arrest.

A note on using this word

Bribe can also be used as a verb meaning to offer such payment, as in trying to bribe an inspector.

Words with a similar meaning

payoffkickback

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To offer money or favors to influence someone dishonestly.

Prosecutors accused the company of trying to bribe local officials for favorable contracts.

Make it your own

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