1
2
as in to bribe
to influence someone with a bribe
she paid off the security guard so that she could steal whatever she liked
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in profit
the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received
the payoff on the investment was only about $500
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pivotal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of pay off
Allison Moses, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
The prepayment penalties unfairly restrict borrowers who wish to pay off their debts early, penalizing responsible financial behavior and discouraging economic mobility.
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
The makeup artist’s namesake brand honors his expert technique, with a matte contour stick that provides a semi-sheer color payoff.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay off
Verb
And his persistence paid off when the chair turned up in the garage of Peggy's younger sister.
—Allison Moses, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
The prepayment penalties unfairly restrict borrowers who wish to pay off their debts early, penalizing responsible financial behavior and discouraging economic mobility.
—Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
The Bulls — reportedly with Michael Jordan’s involvement — and sponsors ended up making good on the payoff.
—Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
The makeup artist’s namesake brand honors his expert technique, with a matte contour stick that provides a semi-sheer color payoff.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pay off
Verb
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If Chase gets a contract in the $40 million per season range, he would be paid similarly to the quarterbacks in the 15-20 range of highest-paid.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
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For instance, if your birthdate falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you are paid on the second Wednesday of the month; between the 11th and 20th, you’re paid on the third Wednesday, and so on, according to the Social Security Administration’s calendar.—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Four years later, federal prosecutors in New York charged the company with bribing Chinese officials.—
Andrea Chang,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2025
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And to add insult to injury, while cutting off food aid to millions of starving Africans, Trump has suspended enforcement of the rules against Americans bribing foreign officials.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Southwest last month reported fourth-quarter profits that surpassed Wall Street estimates, on the back of improved airfares and strong holiday travel demand.—
Deborah Sophia,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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That helped offset a 5.5% drop for Conagra Brands, which lowered its forecasts for upcoming profit and other financial measures.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The British Fashion Council, which has long played a pivotal role in shaping British fashion, champions innovation and creativity.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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While the far right made historic gains in Germany’s pivotal federal elections on Sunday, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party ultimately thrived with Friedrich Merz securing nearly 29% of the vote and placing him in the top spot to lead the country.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The school’s small class sizes allow for highly individualized attention, ensuring that each child’s unique learning style and academic needs are met.—
Hilary Tetenbaum,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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Hours after Richards and Wade met for a meal on Feb. 18, Wade took the stage at the El Rey Theatre in L.A. for a show.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Beaverton resident Abbas Shafii bought the jackpot-winning ticket on Jan. 17 at a Fred Meyer store in Beaverton, about 8 miles west of Portland, the Oregon Lottery announced Friday.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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Wirecutter has plenty of recommendations, from which bike to buy to the best bike locks.—
Caitlin Gunther,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But with sustainable aviation fuels costing three to four times more than traditional jet fuel, Boom faces a decisive question: Can airlines make money selling supersonic tickets while burning premium fuel?—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
18 Feb. 2025
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Expect goals, expect drama, and if Madrid find themselves behind in the dying stages, expect to see Bellingham as the game’s decisive figure… again.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Travis weeks earlier cited as the deciding and unprecedented factor.—
Chris Vannini,
The Athletic,
9 Dec. 2024
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As a result of the split, Sheboygan city residents play no deciding role in either of the two districts, which both lean heavily Republican.—
Journal Sentinel,
Journal Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pay off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pay%20off. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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