as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision
as a sop to the teachers' union for supporting his reelection campaign, the mayor promised to push for the abolition of the residency requirement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to soak
to wet thoroughly with liquid
sopped the sponge with the detergent and began scrubbing the floor vigorously
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wet
to make wet
my book fell in the swimming pool and was thoroughly sopped before I could fish it out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dip
to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid
hesitant to sop his bread in gravy, no matter how delicious, at such a formal banquet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of sop
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025
This being a French toy store, Arthaud does offer the occasional sop to adults.
—Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 4 July 2025
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Marcus was drying off while still in the pool, leaving his towel sopping wet.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sop
Noun
Schwartzman, though, is comic gold as an inappropriate inlaw while Sessa brightens things up as a broken-hearted sop who insinuates himself with all the elan of a Lab puppy into the neighbor’s next door household.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025
This being a French toy store, Arthaud does offer the occasional sop to adults.
—Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 4 July 2025
Verb
After a sopping start to the new year, Southern California’s persistent drizzle is expected to wrap up by late Tuesday, ushering in a period of dry conditions, warmer temperatures and even some Santa Ana winds by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Marcus was drying off while still in the pool, leaving his towel sopping wet.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sop
Noun
-
Adani, one of the world’s richest people, was accused in 2024 of paying massive bribes to ensure the project’s success.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
-
After a separate trial last year, a jury convicted Burke on four counts, including conspiracy and accepting a bribe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Bathrooms boast soaking tubs and double shower heads, and closets contain straw beach totes, hats, and a yoga mat for use while on property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Use this solution to blot the top layer of the mattress, trying to moisten and gently rub versus soak the mattress.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
This one hails from Memphis and excludes a sauce altogether — although feel free to wet your ribs with whatever sauce tickles your fancy.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
-
Avoid wetting foliage when watering plants or water in the morning if using overhead sprinklers to help minimize foliar disease.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Others are dipping into savings, taking on side gigs or cutting essentials to offset expenses.—
ByBryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
This might look like doing lunges while taking a work break or chair dips while dinner is cooking.—
Malissa Rodenburg,
Health,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The Detroit fans who stuck around until the end of the game were drowned out by the bus loads of Cavaliers fans.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
However, the actor does most of the heavy lifting, even as Nemes’ aesthetic approach drowns the frame in striking shadows — a contrast made deep and inviting by Mátyás Erdély’s 35mm photography.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
The next night after the stabbing, an employee at the gas station, who did not witness the incident, told the Daily News that five men appeared to be living in the weed truck — and had been doing so for about 6 months — and most mornings would offer to wash cars being serviced at nearby auto shops.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2026
-
Finally, Altmann reminded people to wash their hands well after outdoor activities or cleaning storage areas.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The players were primarily foreign born, with the United Kingdom being particularly well represented, and because of this, I was immersed as a child in British football culture.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Watch the official livestream replay now and immerse yourself in one of the most exciting student fashion events in the world.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Instruments and voices accumulate into immense, sustained, saturating dissonances, with a snare drum cutting through the tear-gas haze.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Again, keep it at the base of your plant, not the leaves, and use a slow, saturating soak.—
Molly Burford,
Southern Living,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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