What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bribe
Example
The businessman was caught trying to bribe the government official to secure the contract. [bribe: verb]
Example
The politician was accused of accepting bribes from lobbyists. [bribes: noun]
sweetener
Example
The company offered a sweetener in the form of a free vacation to their top-performing employees. [sweetener: noun]
Example
The landlord gave a sweetener of a month's rent-free to persuade the tenant to sign a longer lease. [sweetener: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bribe is less common and typically used in specific contexts involving corruption or dishonest practices. On the other hand, sweetener is more commonly used in negotiations, sales, and personal relationships to enhance deals or relationships.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bribe and sweetener?
While bribe is associated with a highly negative and formal tone, sweetener is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often with a positive and friendly connotation.
