1
as in dismissal
the termination of the employment of an employee or a work force often temporarily
even senior employees lost their jobs in the massive layoff
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in winter
a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness
after such a long layoff the boxer badly needed to get back into shape
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
you need to lay off eating those jelly doughnuts, or you'll end up looking like one
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of layoff
Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 May 2026
The big layoffs tied to artificial intelligence by Block , along with the company's user improvements using the technology, will power the stock to even greater heights, according to Citi.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Nick Lentz, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Content aggregator Digg, which was in beta ahead of its comeback, was recently forced to pause operations and lay off staff in response to the horde of bots on its platform.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for layoff
Noun
Part of the reason is that layoffs are now much more commonplace compared to 50 years ago, while several tangible rewards for being loyal have become rarer—such as company pension plans, which in recent decades have been almost entirely replaced by 401(k)s.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 May 2026
The big layoffs tied to artificial intelligence by Block , along with the company's user improvements using the technology, will power the stock to even greater heights, according to Citi.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Verb
Several railcars from a Canadian National Railway train lay off the tracks north of Warroad, Minnesota, after a train derailment on March 28, 2026.
—Nick Lentz, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Content aggregator Digg, which was in beta ahead of its comeback, was recently forced to pause operations and lay off staff in response to the horde of bots on its platform.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for layoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoff
Noun
-
The dismissal came weeks before the defendant was set to go to trial.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
-
In some ways, even that unceremonious dismissal is an acknowledgement that managers do matter.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Despite the chill of children, summer came, despite the winter of children, summer came.—
Valzhyna Mort,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
And on cold nights in the winter of 1979-80, WGN-TV replayed the 23-22 game.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
The flotilla boats were stopped around 90-100 miles from the Gaza coastline, according to the flotilla's website tracker.—
May 19,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
-
Those unable to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping should have a parent remain close enough to reach them.—
Laura Berrios,
AJC.com,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Cohutta Police Department vehicles CBS News Atlanta Town attorney Bryan Rayburn later told the council the firings did not follow the town charter, which requires 30 days' notice before employees can be suspended or removed.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
According to the team, the firing shook the control hut as a long stream of flame burst from the copper engine.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
From breezy linen pants to packable layers and day-to-night dresses, these pieces are designed to keep you cool and stylish on city breaks and tropical getaways alike.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
-
Divers found the boy within a few minutes of starting their search along the break wall.—
Shardaa Gray,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Key indicators include clients engaging more with competitors, ceasing to credit your work in their successes, and offering delayed or forced responses to communications.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
After making a batch, production ceased a few weeks ago.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Public pressure and her deteriorating health led to releases and furloughs.—
Irwin Cotler,
Time,
8 May 2026
-
Sade is in prison and is staying with Mina while on a three-day furlough, which provides a neat framework for their reunion.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Noun
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Each eye tube can be removed using only four screws, greatly reducing downtime and minimizing the need for specialized tools.—
David Szondy
May 17,
New Atlas,
17 May 2026
-
As Kevin Jackson of EXP Journeys told Conde Nast Traveler, parents are increasingly the ones requesting screen-free trips on behalf of their kids — wanting children to experience meals, hikes and downtime without the pull of a device.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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