showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery, corruptible, capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration

venal sin, venal office, venal system

Formal and Informal Expressions of venal

In different contexts, you can replace 'venal' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'corruptible, bribable' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'crooked, shady' is a commonplace synonym.

venal: Explore its Definition & Usage

venal Definition

1showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery
2corruptible
3capable 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

Antonyms for venal

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.