Venal — Word of the Day July 09, 2026

Definition

Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; mercenary. A venal official sells their influence and authority for personal gain.

“The venal judge accepted a bribe to acquit a man everyone knew was guilty.”

From Latin venalis (for sale), from venum (sale), related to vendere (to sell).

V₄E₁N₁A₁L₁

VENAL scores 8 points in Scrabble.