Enhance your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills with the Nelson-Denny test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Ensure your success with detailed explanations and insights!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is an appropriate synonym for "venal"?

  1. Ethical

  2. Bribable

  3. Honorable

  4. Fair-minded

The correct answer is: Bribable

The word "venal" is often used to describe someone who is corrupt or willing to engage in dishonest practices, particularly in exchange for money or bribes. Therefore, a synonym for "venal" that captures this essence is "bribable," as it indicates a susceptibility to bribery or corruption. The other choices reflect positive characteristics or morality, which are the opposite of what "venal" conveys. "Ethical," "honorable," and "fair-minded" all describe individuals who adhere to principles of right conduct and integrity, contrasting sharply with the implication of corruption that "venal" signifies.