as in relinquished
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 coughed up
Brooklyn struggled to generate anything clean, coughed up seven turnovers that led to 14 Clippers points, and shot just 37% from the field and 25% from 3-point range in the first half.
—
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
The ball was coughed up by Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright, and the Patriots took over possession at the Dolphins’ 37-yard line.
—Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
The Cardinals coughed up a 21-3 lead and gave up 16 fourth-quarter points against the hapless Titans.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Lakers lost 128-106 to Pistons on LeBron’s 41st birthday as Detroit dominated the paint with 74 points while the Lakers coughed up 21 turnovers.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
And the unit as a whole coughed up two giveaways that led to 14 points for the opposition.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Robinson even coughed up a fumble in the red zone.
—Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Roberts pulled the Japanese pitcher, bringing in Blake Treinen and Scott, who were unable to get a single out and coughed up the lead that was 4-0 entering the inning.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Patriots recover Rohan Nadkarni The Bills just coughed up the ball for the second time tonight, and this time the Patriots recovered in the red zone.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
The ball was coughed up by Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright, and the Patriots took over possession at the Dolphins’ 37-yard line.
—Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
The Cardinals coughed up a 21-3 lead and gave up 16 fourth-quarter points against the hapless Titans.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Lakers lost 128-106 to Pistons on LeBron’s 41st birthday as Detroit dominated the paint with 74 points while the Lakers coughed up 21 turnovers.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
And the unit as a whole coughed up two giveaways that led to 14 points for the opposition.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Robinson even coughed up a fumble in the red zone.
—Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Roberts pulled the Japanese pitcher, bringing in Blake Treinen and Scott, who were unable to get a single out and coughed up the lead that was 4-0 entering the inning.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Patriots recover Rohan Nadkarni The Bills just coughed up the ball for the second time tonight, and this time the Patriots recovered in the red zone.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coughed up
Verb
-
Jakrajutatip also relinquished her roles at the Miss Universe Organization.—
Theresa Braine,
Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2025
-
Meanwhile, 81 animals have already been relinquished and are expected to become available for adoption through Sammie’s Friends at the Nevada County Animal Shelter once medically cleared.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Monet’s Palazzo Ducale centers on the Venetian landmark rendered in diffused brushstrokes, with a dial that glows orange under UV light — a nod to the interplay of light and reflection in Monet’s work.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
In nearly every episode (of the six screened for review), the relatable teen concerns — getting a good grade, feeling homesick, establishing individuality, making new friends — are rendered insignificant by adult storylines that suck up all the oxygen.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Eventually, his parents surrendered to his passion for figure skating.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Meanwhile, the offense has surrendered just 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Anfernee Simons delivered his finest performance in a Celtics uniform Thursday night, scoring 39 points in 34 minutes to carry Boston to a come-from-behind victory over the Miami Heat.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Attorneys also argued in that litigation about whether anyone but the immigrants themselves had legal standing to file lawsuits, an argument complicated by the fact that immigrants are typically unaware that their data may be turned over at all.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
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But 110 days later, the only dirt turned over on the property came from ceremonial shovels, scooped out of a metal trough.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sophomore guard Dhewa Tenzin turned in a terrific performance off the bench with 16 points Tuesday, while senior guard Duke Cherry dropped 11 points to go with five assists as the Lancers coasted to an impressive 78-46 rout of Catholic Conference rival Xaverian at home.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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This isn’t the first time a Geek Squad employee has turned in a child pornography suspect in the East Bay.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During one incident, officials allege, a bank employee handed over a bag of cash out of fear after a man believed to be Luchin passed a note demanding money.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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The wide-body aircraft market is now picking up steam, said Ron Epstein, aerospace analyst at Bank of America, with orders starting to get handed over faster to customers.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coughed up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coughed%20up. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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