venal

[ˈviːnəl]

venal Definition

• 1. showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery
• 2. corruptible
• 3. capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration

Using venal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "venal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The judge was accused of being venal and accepting bribes.

• Example

  The company's decision was influenced by the venal interests of its executives.

• Example

  The politician was known for his venal behavior and corruption.

• Example

  The police officer was fired for his venal conduct.

venal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for venal

• corrupt
• bribable
• dishonest
• unscrupulous
• greedy

Antonyms for venal

• incorruptible
• honest
• upright

Phrases with venal

• venal sin

  a sin that is committed for the sake of money or other material gain

  Example

  He was guilty of venal sin when he accepted the bribe.

• venal office

  a public office that is bought or sold for personal gain

  Example

  The practice of selling venal offices was common in medieval Europe.

• venal system

  a system in which public officials are corrupt and can be easily bribed

  Example

  The country's political system was characterized by a venal bureaucracy.

Origins of venal

from Latin 'venalis', meaning 'that is for sale'

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Summary: venal in Brief

The term 'venal' [ˈviːnəl] describes a person or action that is susceptible to bribery, corruptible, or capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration. It is often used to describe corrupt officials or practices, as in 'The politician was known for his venal behavior and corruption.' 'Venal' extends into phrases like 'venal sin,' denoting a sin committed for the sake of money, and 'venal office,' referring to a public office that is bought or sold for personal gain.