What term refers to the acquisition of money through dishonest means, such as bribery?

The term that refers to the acquisition of money through dishonest means, specifically through practices like bribery, is graft. Graft typically involves the illicit use of political power for personal gain, often manifesting in the form of bribery, where officials exploit their positions to profit financially. This understanding of graft highlights its connection to political corruption and unethical behavior in governance.

Corruption, while related, is a broader term that encompasses a variety of dishonest acts, not limited to financial gains through bribery. Fraud also pertains to deceitful practices aimed at securing unfair or unlawful gain but is often associated with more general deception, not specifically tied to a public office. Extortion, on the other hand, specifically involves coercion or threats to obtain money or benefits, distinct from the subtler practices of graft. Understanding graft's specific connotation within the realm of political corruption clarifies why it is the most accurate term for dishonest monetary acquisition through methods like bribery.