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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pay off
Brian Sampson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
The gamble has paid off with a large core of players that has stayed largely intact for four years.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025
Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025
That simplification and ready availability is really the payoff for Alto, says Coleman, even if the actual cost of using L-Charge’s service does not represent a savings over buying power from the grid.
—Ed Garsten, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pay off 
Verb
For now, the Bucks will savor the fact that one of their early-season gambles has paid off in a big way.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
The gamble has paid off with a large core of players that has stayed largely intact for four years.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
The payoff: Elsdon is playing in a national semifinal Thursday night against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, two wins from bringing a third national title to Happy Valley.
—Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025
That simplification and ready availability is really the payoff for Alto, says Coleman, even if the actual cost of using L-Charge’s service does not represent a savings over buying power from the grid.
—Ed Garsten, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pay off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pay off
Verb
-
Watch out for unusual payment methods: One of the easiest ways to spot a scam is by how the scammers ask you to pay.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
2 Feb. 2025
-
Her insurer, State Farm, paid a $15,000 advance on the home’s contents and also authorized coverage for two months of living expenses.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The pair are accused of bribing Thao and Jones to secure access to lucrative contracts with the city of Oakland — a blockbuster case that has cast a cloud over City Hall.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
The Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2025
-
For years, Taiwan’s security agencies have warned about Beijing’s growing attempts to infiltrate its armed forces and their espionage activities, particularly efforts to bribe military officers in exchange for national secrets.—
Eric Cheung,
CNN,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Show organizers said that profits will be donated to charities, including Cure Parkinson's.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Numbers in 2022 included a gross profit of 27.9% and a net profit of 7.6%, according to Kuklock.—
Alex Malm,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Moore played a pivotal role in crafting one of the NFL's top rushing offenses this season, propelling Saquon Barkley to being the league's top rusher and within spitting distance of the all-time record.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Even as the conspiracists grew more and more fanciful, wellness was always a pivotal part of their message.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center is a local San Diego organization that helps meet the basic needs of seniors living in downtown San Diego.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
-
While both countries plan to meet these targets through government borrowing and public sector cuts, there is skepticism in Lithuania about the feasibility of this goal.—
Amanda Castro,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Super Bowl Ticket Packages For a comprehensive experience, fans can consider buying team ticket packages from On Location, the NFL's official partner.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Hiring a pro is a prudent choice after a major life change like getting married or divorced, having a baby, buying or selling a home or business, experiencing a major health issue, or retiring.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Seahawks scored a decisive 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos to claim the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.—
Vic Tafur,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Jeff Buckley’s life started with both an act of embrace and a decisive abandonment.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Travis weeks earlier cited as the deciding and unprecedented factor.—
Chris Vannini,
The Athletic,
9 Dec. 2024
-
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
Thesaurus Entries Near pay off
Cite this Entry
“Pay off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pay%20off. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share