1
as in bonuses
something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owed
the clerk at Calcutta airport was clearly angling for a little cumshaw on the side
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in bribes
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision
the captain slipped the customs official his customary cumshaw at the Port of Shanghai
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumshaws
Noun
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At Ross Stores, the compensation committee approved a similar adjustment on May 21, 2025, the proxy states, stripping tariff costs from calculations used to determine bonuses and long-term incentive payouts.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026 -
First, there are the big-name athletes to find and woo into competing on the streets of the UK’s capital, then the pace-makers, the notable debutants, and the tantalising head-to-heads to create; there’s the hotel bookings, the visas, the flights, the prize money and even bonuses to ponder over.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As with other criminal syndicates, the cartel has long oiled the gears of corruption with bribes.—
Steve Fisher,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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The casual acknowledgement of brushing off offers of bribes alarmed some Republican activists, who will endorse a candidate for governor at their state convention on May 16.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Our collective ethos guided us to develop our ecosystem equitably, ensuring that communities across the Quantum Prairie would reap dividends.—
David Awschalom,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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If assets in the estate generate income during probate—such as interest, dividends, or rental income—or if assets such as a home are sold in a later year, additional tax filings may be required.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Joey Garrison The Trumps exchanged gifts on Tuesday with King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark the historic royal visit.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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During the next rehearsal break, Simpson and Reyes returned with champagne, flowers and other gifts to congratulate him.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cumshaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumshaws. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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