Find Synonyms
cough Synonyms
Another word for cough
Choosing another word for cough depends on context, so the 14 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• noun (Context 1)
An act or sound of expelling air from the lungs with a sudden, sharp noise, often to clear the airways.
Usage Example
"She gave a polite hack to catch the speaker's attention before asking her question."
Strong
hack
ahem
hem
Weak
wheeze
bark
• verb (Context 2)
To expel air from the lungs with a sudden, sharp sound.
Usage Example
"He began to hack after inhaling the dusty air in the attic."
Strong
hack
clear one's throat
hawk
expectorate
Weak
hem
wheeze
bark
• noun (Context 3)
A respiratory condition or symptom characterized by frequent or persistent coughing.
Usage Example
"The child developed a stubborn winter tussis that lasted for two weeks."
Strongest
tussis
Strong
hack
• verb (Context 4)
To make a sudden, sputtering, or irregular noise resembling a human cough (especially of an engine or machine).
Usage Example
"The old tractor's engine coughed twice before finally roaring to life."
Strongest
sputter
splutter
Strong
chug
misfire
backfire
Weak
wheeze
Opposites of cough
The opposite of cough shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
purr
hum
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Cough. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/cough