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
Cruisers enjoy complimentary alcohol and caviar, fine dining, gratuities, and some shore excursions, among fare inclusions.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuities
Noun
-
Attendees generally say the gladhanding and networking can be valuable in a city that runs on tips and leaks.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Safety tips for motorcyclists, drivers The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center offers safety tips.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But aside from tacking an extra year to the end of his contract, nothing else changed — his base salary remained the same, his early termination buyouts didn’t change and his annual bonuses were untouched.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
21 Apr. 2026
-
That comes even as a growing number of employers are dishing out bonuses based on AI use.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Faulk has size, athleticism and versatility, but his physical gifts haven’t exactly translated on the football field (10 career sacks in 37 games).—
Omar Kelly
April 22,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Shop more of the best deals on Mother’s Day gifts under $50 below.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Cutting back on late-night screen scrolling pays surprising dividends too.—
Cheryl Russell,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Nareit said health care REITs distributed more than $7 billion in dividends in 2024.—
Jordan Rau,
NPR,
19 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
