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
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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
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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 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
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025 The reinstatement was an obvious sop to the gambling industry, an MLB partner, and possibly also to President Donald Trump, who lobbied for Rose’s future election into the Hall of Fame. —Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 1 June 2025
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025 The other side of the sopping wet coin is how to counter these noises. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sop
Noun
As a sop to preservationists, the university salvaged the 1848 façade and tower, keeping them freestanding and pointless, like a souvenir on a shelf. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025 The reinstatement was an obvious sop to the gambling industry, an MLB partner, and possibly also to President Donald Trump, who lobbied for Rose’s future election into the Hall of Fame. —Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 1 June 2025
Verb
Marcus was drying off while still in the pool, leaving his towel sopping wet. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025 The other side of the sopping wet coin is how to counter these noises. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sop
Noun
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Regarding the Sunday interview with Channel 8 anchor Dennis House, Stewart was asked about essentially being offered a bribe.— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
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It is alleged that the contract was irregularly awarded and some of the police officers received bribes from the winning bidders.— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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It is often thickened with binders and doesn’t soak deep into porous concrete like oil can.— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
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Whole flaxseeds should be soaked for easier digestion; ground flaxseeds are more digestible and versatile in recipes.— Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Blot — don’t rub — and avoid over-wetting the mattress, which can lead to mold growth if moisture gets trapped inside.— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026
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Water at the base of plants instead of wetting the entire garden with a sprinkler or hose.— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Daytime highs may struggle to get out of the 40s and 50s in many areas, and overnight lows could dip into the 30s, raising the possibility of patchy frost in some locations — an abrupt reminder that early spring in Michigan can still feel a lot like late winter.— Vytas Reid, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
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Fentanyl seizures, along with several other illicit drugs, have also dipped.— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Police are investigating the death of a woman who drowned while competing in the Ironman Texas triathlon.— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
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By the first chorus, his voice was nearly drowned out by the sound of the audience, thousands of voices pushing the song forward together.— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, it should be noted that down should not be bleached or washed with fabric softener.— Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
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There are standalone bath tubs by the windows in every suite (showers and wash closets are separate), plus another half bathroom, walk-in closet, and roomy living area that make the upgrade well worthwhile.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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It's also featured in a room with screens on the walls, floor and ceiling, immersing people in the art.— Alina Hartounian, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
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After stepping back from the battle-rap scene, Griffin immersed himself in religion.— Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As climate change intensifies, the air in the Midwest is becoming more saturated with humidity, a key ingredient of strong thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes.— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
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With the ground still saturated from recent rains, localized flooding is possible in spots over the coming days, the weather service said.— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/sop. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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