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
Symptoms of a blood clot include swelling, shortness of breath, coughing up blood and varicose vein changes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—
Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Denver held the Wolves to 105 points in a Game 1 win but coughed up a 19-point lead in Game 2.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for cough up
Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Denver held the Wolves to 105 points in a Game 1 win but coughed up a 19-point lead in Game 2.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for cough up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cough up
Verb
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There are outs not to be relinquished on the bases.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
15 May 2026
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Companies that violate the law could be forced to relinquish their earnings to a federal youth sports fund, from which the money would be used to reduce participation costs for families, provide scholarships and keep local sporting venues free for community use.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Travertine marble dominates the space with its veined effect rendered in delicate shades for the walls and flooring, or enriched with the backlit FF logo for a bolder outcome.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
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Although the juror will make the final selections for what’s in the show and who gets awards, Jarvis will render his opinion if asked.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Verb
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No one ate up more innings than Klein, who struck out two and surrendered one of the two hits the Dodgers gave up across two innings.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
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Brown again tossed four shutout innings, surrendering just one hit while walking one and striking out seven on 65 pitches.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 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 18 May. 2026.
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