What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bribe
Example
The businessman was arrested for attempting to bribe a government official. [bribe: verb]
Example
The politician was accused of accepting bribes from a construction company. [bribes: plural noun]
kickback
Example
The company executive received a kickback for awarding the construction contract to a specific company. [kickback: noun]
Example
The contractor was found guilty of giving kickbacks to government officials. [kickbacks: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bribe is a more commonly used term compared to kickback. It is widely recognized and used in various contexts, including news, politics, and legal discussions. On the other hand, kickback is less commonly used and may be more specific to business or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bribe and kickback?
Both bribe and kickback are associated with negative and unethical behavior, making them more informal terms. However, bribe is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while kickback is typically used in more specific or technical discussions.
