Meaning & use
venal
Easily corrupted by money or bribery, especially by someone in a position of trust or authority.
See it in a sentence
The venal customs officer accepted bribes to let contraband shipments pass without inspection.
Historians describe the empire's decline as driven by venal officials who sold favors to the highest bidder.
A note on using this word
Venal describes susceptibility to bribery and should not be confused with 'venial,' which describes a minor, pardonable offense.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
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