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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Wilson remained a significant earner, comfortably into five figures per week before bonuses.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
10 June 2026 -
For each of the past two school years, for example, CMS has spent $750,000 year on bonuses for especially effective high school math teachers.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Although Blatter himself was not charged in the investigation, his regime collapsed under the weight of hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes for TV rights and other spoils, and he was soon banned from international football for ethical breaches.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
7 June 2026
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Unable to navigate the complex legal hurdles to enter the country legally, these workers often fall prey to gangs who take massive bribes, often exceeding $10,000, to smuggle them into Italy, Corrado said.—
Matteo Moschella,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
Noun
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While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
8 June 2026
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Kim’s backing of Russia’s war with Ukraine has paid dividends, his weapons program has cemented North Korea’s status as a de facto nuclear state, and an economy that buckled under the pressure of pandemic isolation and sanctions has since rebounded.—
Stella Kim,
NBC news,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Vaccination is one of the greatest gifts humanity has ever given itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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The declaration, in honor of the billionaire philanthropist whose gifts boosted arts, science, education and cultural causes and more across Los Angeles for decades, marks a collaboration between the County of Los Angeles and the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cumshaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumshaws. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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