1
as in tips
a small sum of money given for a service over and above what is due
for parties of eight or more, we automatically add a 15% gratuity onto the bill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in bonuses
something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owed
got a $100 gratuity in addition to his regular pay
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gratuities
An Indiana state bill addressing gratuities that was drafted in response to the bribery case against former Portage Mayor James Snyder was amended and approved in the Senate to remove all language pertaining to gratuities.
—
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Many cruise lines offer perks and discounts that go far beyond the basics, such as elevated dining experiences, unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and, in some cases, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or airfare.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
As for gratuities, those will go up by an extra dollar a day.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Now, the Supreme Court has sharply limited the application of sections 201, both the section on bribery and the section on gratuities.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
All tipped workers still must pay payroll taxes on their gratuities.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Once confined to hospitality, requests for gratuities now appear in unexpected places—airlines, medical offices, auto repair shops, logistics providers, even butcher counters and impound lots.
—Mark Bender, Harvard Business Review, 27 Jan. 2026
Program participants receive dormitory housing, three meals per day, clothing, gratuities, and one-on-one counseling and other rehabilitation services.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Mamdani’s administration separately took aim at DoorDash and Uber Eats in a report released Tuesday, alleging the food delivery apps cost their workers more than $550 million in tips by requiring customers to pay gratuities after the order checkout process.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 15 Jan. 2026
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Many cruise lines offer perks and discounts that go far beyond the basics, such as elevated dining experiences, unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and, in some cases, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or airfare.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
As for gratuities, those will go up by an extra dollar a day.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Now, the Supreme Court has sharply limited the application of sections 201, both the section on bribery and the section on gratuities.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
All tipped workers still must pay payroll taxes on their gratuities.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Once confined to hospitality, requests for gratuities now appear in unexpected places—airlines, medical offices, auto repair shops, logistics providers, even butcher counters and impound lots.
—Mark Bender, Harvard Business Review, 27 Jan. 2026
Program participants receive dormitory housing, three meals per day, clothing, gratuities, and one-on-one counseling and other rehabilitation services.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Mamdani’s administration separately took aim at DoorDash and Uber Eats in a report released Tuesday, alleging the food delivery apps cost their workers more than $550 million in tips by requiring customers to pay gratuities after the order checkout process.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuities
Noun
-
Police urged anyone who saw or has information about the crash to call them at 704-432-2169, extension 4, or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 704-334-1600.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Ahead, experts explain how soaking anemone and ranunculus corms can significantly improve your gardening results and share helpful tips on how to do it, along with troubleshooting advice.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nearly 300 of Logan’s TSA agents who posted perfect attendance received $10,000 bonuses from DHS for their efforts.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Bipartisan legislation would mandate executive bonuses and other pay be surrendered, three years after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.—
Andrew Ackerman,
Washington Post,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The drone attack killed nine people, including three children, and injured at least eight others as the leader of the Simon Pele gang prepared to distribute gifts to children in the area.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
-
While Vietnam radiated warmth as a whole, Cuba revealed its charm in smaller moments, like when the fun-loving construction workers in Havana lit up at gifts brought from the States.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Even for lower-risk patients, a small intervention can pay significant dividends.—
Dawn Koffarnus,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Encouraging Natural Predators Attracting the natural enemies of moles to your yard might not work overnight but pays great dividends in the long run.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The pay package would also include nearly $538 million in equity and $44 million in perquisites and benefits.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
17 Dec. 2025
-
Barber characterized the shift as a significant reversal from the cost-cutting approach that has dominated executive benefits and perquisites since the early 2000s and the 2008 financial crisis.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratuities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuities. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
