Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

That’s true but misleading, because they essentially bribe venues to use Ticketmaster.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

"I wouldn't have been able to live with myself knowing that I had taken effectively a bribe."

From BBC • Jan. 15, 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

Even Clarence Darrow, the great defender of the downtrodden, had been charged with trying to bribe prospective jurors.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Vocabulary lists containing bribe

Maus I: My Father Bleeds History

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Bronx Masquerade

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Devil's Arithmetic

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!