venal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Network, from 1976, cast him as a venal television producer.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

“I think people would actually be surprised there’s more decisions made in Congress on what people believe is in the public interest than in venal self-interest,” he told me.

From Slate • Jul. 10, 2025

But this wild and terrible tale of crime and power, pitting devastated Jewish parents against the venal might of unyielding papal law, is entirely its own emotional minefield.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2024

Santos incarnates its venal and ridiculous side, the part rooted in reality TV and get-rich-quick schemes.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2023

Nor did the venal mayor of Fairfax—an ally of Hale’s who also served as a guardian.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann