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

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sop

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sop
Noun
The compromise came in the form of two ‘coefficient places’, spots reserved for teams from those leagues that performed best across Europe’s three competitions in the previous season: a more palatable option, but nevertheless an obvious sop to the same vested interests. Sam Lee, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024 But these are just MacGuffins: sops to the Beltway superfans. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024
Verb
An ideal combination of a mop-and-bucket and a Swiffer-style wet-or-dry mop, a wet/dry vacuum utilizes the suction and rotation power of a vacuum with just enough moisture to keep things from getting sopping wet. Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 Plants do not want to stay sopping wet, so always stick your finger in the soil and check the moisture level before giving your plant a drink. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for sop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sop
Noun
  • According to the indictment, Jenkins took the bribes from those three men, along with at least five others and two undercover FBI agents.
    Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
  • With the entire scheme laid out and the staff caught red-handed, the district threatens to suspend any teacher taking bribes.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Premiere Suite has a spacious private terrace overlooking the garden and a soaking tub under the monumental rose window that looks onto the chapel.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The primary suite has a soaking tub, double sink, a stand-alone shower and is outfitted in Calacatta marble.
    Michael Kaminer, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Although scattered rain showers are expected to track across western North Carolina later this morning, this will not be enough of a wetting rain to bring relief to dry fuels.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025
  • To start, wet your hands with water, then apply enough soap to cover your hands and rub them against each other.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Expectations Index, which measures short-term outlooks for income, business, and labor markets, dipped to its lowest level since July 2022.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • His approval rating on foreign affairs dropped three points (from 48% to 45%); his rating on handling inflation dipped by two points (45% to 43%), and his rating on administering the government fell by two points (49% to 47%).
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Tragedy struck the Kilmer family in 1977 when Kilmer’s younger brother Wesley drowned at the young age of 15.
    Ale Russian, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • His younger brother Wesley drowned in a swimming pool in 1977, an event that haunted Kilmer for years afterward.
    The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An employee was seen sneezing directly into their hand and returning to work without washing their hands.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Because what’s really getting washed is the film as the paint rests safely beneath it.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Bassa was specifically honored for her synthesis of bright blue Jell-O. Med school Q: Why do fingers and toes wrinkle when immersed in water?
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Duchess of Sussex recently told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview about their family immersing themselves in the local community, who have gotten to know her from school drop-offs and playdates with Archie and Lili.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Understanding The Periphery Advantage In many metropolitan areas, central districts are becoming increasingly saturated and expensive.
    Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Spring fashion is often saturated with flowy, floral dresses, breezy linens, and the art of mixing and matching textures, cuts, and patterns.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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