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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The three position players who netted seven-figure bonuses are no longer in the organization, while Lizarraga’s development has stalled in the upper levels.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026 -
Smaller designers that are owed money by Saks Global are already cutting bonuses for their employees, laying off workers or, in the extreme, preparing to file for bankruptcy themselves, according to sources.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Bolden pleaded not guilty on April 11, 1997, to taking bribes.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The indictment alleges the drug trafficker then paid monthly bribes to the anti-drug director in addition to $100,000 for each flight transporting cocaine to ensure its safe passage — a portion of which was shared with Flores, Maduro’s wife.—
Jay Weaver
January 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Investments in brokerage accounts incur annual taxes on income, such as dividends and capital gains.—
Sharon Epperson,
CNBC,
12 Jan. 2026
-
It’s also been suggested that the dividends arrive in a form other than a check.—
Addy Bink,
The Hill,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Several men have since recalled enjoying Short’s company, taking her on dates, and offering her gifts.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
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Now imagine a world where everyone yearned—not through dramatic declarations of love or extravagant gifts, but simply by being honest from the start.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
14 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cumshaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumshaws. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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