Synonyms for

Cough

Verb / kɑ:f / / kɔ:f / Another word for cough — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to expel air from the lungs suddenly and noisily, often involuntarily, as the result of irritation or illness

Synonyms & similar words

coughing hack wheeze throat-clearing rasping bark bronchitis pneumonia cold flu illness disease infection sickness ailment malady disorder syndrome

Synonyms by register

Formal

expectorate expel

Informal

hack bark

Literary

sputter gasp

Common collocations

  • cough syrup
  • cough medicine
  • cough drop
  • cough up
  • cough and sneeze
  • dry cough
  • wet cough

Word family

noun cough
verb cough

Usage note

The word 'cough' is primarily used as a verb or noun referring to the act of expelling air from the lungs. While 'expectorate' is a formal synonym, it's rarely used in everyday conversation.

Example sentences

  1. The boy had a cough and had to stay home from school.
  2. I got a cough from being outside in the cold too long.
  3. She coughed so much that she had to take a break from talking.
  4. The doctor gave me medicine to help with my cough.
  5. He tried to stifle his cough during the movie but ended up making more noise.

Quotes

  • The cough is the alarm clock that never lets you sleep. - Unknown
  • A cough always sounded worse than it felt. - George Orwell
  • Laughter is the shortest distance between two people, unless you have a really persistent cough. - Unknown

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