Corruption tolerance refers to individuals’ moral approval or willingness to engage in corrupt acts. In this study we perform a Critical Interpretive Synthesis of 139 peer-reviewed articles covering studies focusing on 79 countries to establish how corruption tolerance is conceptualized and theorized. Findings reveal conceptual confusion, inconsistent operationalization, and limited use of theory-driven models. The analysis identifies three dimensions—Actors and Behavior Dynamics, Context and Justification Dynamics, Manifestation and Nature Dynamics—highlighting the construct’s multidimensionality. In response, we propose a typology-based model grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, distinguishing five types of corruption tolerance: Attitudinal, Normative, Practical, Intentional, and Behavioral. This model offers a structured framework for precise conceptualization and empirical analysis. By advancing a theory-informed understanding of socio-cognitive, and contextual factors shaping tolerance, this work provides a foundation for future research and policy while emphasizing the need for behavioral sciences approaches. The research plan was preregistered at https://osf.io/f5zbg/?view_only=002f5e25b0de459e9498ef43e571766d