cough up

as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress finally got my brother to cough up the dough he owed me

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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 cough up An advertiser who passes up on a $700,000 NFL unit in the spring can often expect to cough up as much as $875,000 for that very same unit come fall. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2025 After the Royals coughed up the lead in the top of the ninth inning, backup catcher Freddy Fermin came on as a pinch runner and scored the tying run. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2025 Additionally, Ralph wasn’t required to cough up all of his financial documents and was granted permission to continue residing in the basement of their home. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025 The Bucks can’t afford to cough up the ball in their own trenches. Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cough up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cough up
Verb
  • Last year, Sabalenka relinquished the Madrid Open title to Iga Świątek in the best WTA Tour match of the season.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • In the past month, many of these universities have been ordered to relinquish their academic independence, stripped of federal funds, had their students seized on the streets, and watched as faculty have begun an exodus to foreign academic institutions beyond the reach of the U.S. government.
    Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, James and her peers helped students connect with experts in larger cities in professional fields; apply for admissions, grants and scholarships; and rendered whatever other assistance was needed.
    Doug Thompson, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2025
  • This one, is rendered in moody, romantic tones of blue.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Despite peppering Providence goaltender Michael DiPietro with 40 shots while surrendering just 19, the Checkers fell 3-2 in Game 3 of their AHL Atlantic Division semifinal series.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
  • The passenger got out of the car and surrendered, but state patrol officials said the driver refused to exit and pulled out a gun.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • The new concoction was to be delivered via twice-monthly infusions — though each treatment would take longer, pushing the medicine into Elissa’s body for eight or nine hours at a time.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • With an acoustic guitar player providing live music and a few people delivering positive affirmations during her attempt, Noone locked in the record with a time of 25 minutes and 11.3 seconds.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cough up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cough%20up. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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