bonus
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for bonus, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An extra payment given on top of regular wages, often as a reward for performance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use bonus
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
annual bonus
signing bonus
a nice bonus
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin bonus, meaning "good."
Full origin of bonus →Frequently asked questions
What does “bonus” mean?
The word “bonus” means an extra payment given on top of regular wages, often as a reward for performance. In plain terms, something extra and good on top of what you already have or expected.
How do you pronounce “bonus”?
“Bonus” is pronounced BOH-nuhs (/ˈboʊ.nəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “bonus” in a sentence?
Here is “bonus” used in a sentence: “Employees received a holiday bonus this year.”
What part of speech is “bonus”?
“Bonus” is a noun.
Where does the word “bonus” come from?
The word “bonus” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin bonus, meaning "good.".
Is “bonus” a common word?
“Bonus” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “bonus” have?
“Bonus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an extra payment given on top of regular wages, often as a reward for performance.
What is the difference between a bonus and a raise?
A bonus is a one-time extra payment, often tied to performance, that does not change your regular salary. A raise permanently increases your base pay going forward. A bonus is a single reward you may or may not get again; a raise lifts every future paycheck. Employers often use bonuses when they can't commit to a raise.
What are the different types of bonuses?
Common types include the performance bonus, tied to hitting targets; the signing bonus, paid to attract a new hire; the year-end or holiday bonus; and the referral bonus for recommending a good candidate. Some companies also share profits through bonuses. Each rewards a different behaviour, but all sit on top of normal pay.
Is a bonus guaranteed?
Usually not. Most bonuses are discretionary, meaning the employer decides whether to pay them based on performance, company profits, or other factors. Some contracts do promise a guaranteed bonus, but many depend on results and can shrink or disappear in a bad year. Always check whether a bonus is contractual or discretionary.
