as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress
finally got my brother to cough up the dough he owed me
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Recent Examples of cough up
Treinen gave up four consecutive hits in the seventh inning, failed to retire a batter and coughed up a Dodger lead.
—
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Her aim is to make enough money to afford the fifty-thousand-dollar wedding floral arrangements that Nate is reluctant to cough up the dough for.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Nike director Tim Cook and CEO Elliott Hill coughed up about $1 million each in another round of insider stock buying.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
McIlroy coughed up a six-shot lead in the third round.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cough up
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Her aim is to make enough money to afford the fifty-thousand-dollar wedding floral arrangements that Nate is reluctant to cough up the dough for.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Nike director Tim Cook and CEO Elliott Hill coughed up about $1 million each in another round of insider stock buying.
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
McIlroy coughed up a six-shot lead in the third round.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cough up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cough up
Verb
-
Turn back the tape just a few weeks ago, to when the Five Stripes relinquished a 1-0 advantage in the final stretch to lose at home 2-1.—
Amna Subhan,
AJC.com,
10 May 2026
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More than 75 other nurses with Operation Nightingale school diplomas relinquished their Florida credentials, the health department said in its April 22 email in response to the Sentinel’s questions.—
Annie Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Deputies rendered medical aid; however, one man and the woman succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Perhaps Pfleger would be well advised to stick to his faith and his flock and to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, rather than to continue to pontificate from the pulpit — or even the paper.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Senior captain Avery Barnes fired a two-hitter, surrendering just one run in the circle while recording two hits at the plate as Cardinal Spellman (11-2) defeated Catholic Central League foe Bishop Fenwick, 7-1.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
8 May 2026
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The animal was surrendered to City of Meriden Animal Control when authorities carried out a search warrant at the residence of 45-year-old Kristiina Kennedy on April 7.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The aunties who sternly monitor the tables here will take and deliver your order, but please do not expect guidance or friendship.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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One year offers a fleeting, cinematic eclipse around sunset; the next delivers a long, high-altitude spectacle.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cough up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cough%20up. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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