venal
/ˈviːnəl/
Group 6Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery GRE
Example in Context
The venal officials who had accepted payments in exchange for contracts were eventually prosecuted under tightened anti-corruption statutes.
Synonyms
corruptbribabledishonest
Etymology
Hunting for bribes — motivated by corruption.
- venari (Latin) — to hunt
Memory Aid
🤑Sounds like “vandal”
Picture a VANDAL who only paints murals when bribed — that's how VENAL they are!
Visual Association
💰A shady character counting stacks of cash under a dimly lit streetlight, looking very pleased.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “venal” mean on the GRE?
venal (adjective) means “Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery”. The venal officials who had accepted payments in exchange for contracts were eventually prosecuted under tightened anti-corruption statutes.
How to remember “venal” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “venal” sounds like “vandal”. Picture a VANDAL who only paints murals when bribed — that's how VENAL they are!
What are synonyms for “venal”?
Common synonyms: corrupt, bribable, dishonest.