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 chip marketers and halter-top designers capture some of the productivity gains by getting raises and bonuses.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Apr. 2026 -
On-course earnings include prize money and bonuses, as well as annual payments some players received from LIV Golf.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Christopher and Joseph Ponzo — ex-Stoneham police officers — defrauded a company to obtain tens of millions of dollars of Mass Save funds through paying bribes and kickbacks to company employees.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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According to The Associated Press, prosecutors are investigating whether the sisters accepted bribes or kickbacks in connection with the appropriation of city funds to a migrant shelter provider.—
CBS New York Team,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In addition, the names have a high earnings certainty and a good track record of dividends, with a cut of less than once every four years.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2026
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Counted income includes Social Security benefits, pension payments, IRA payments, property income, alimony, dividends, salary and wages.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Memorial gifts may be sent to the Clemson University Foundation, the Frank and Sarah Gentry Endowment, at 220 Mandarin Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634.—
Chase Jordan
April 9,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
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Other gifts included a traditional Bedouin tent and tables, cushions and carpets that Epstein later set up on his island.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cumshaws.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumshaws. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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