layoff 1 of 2

noun

ˈlā-ˌȯf How to pronounce layoff (audio)
Definition of layoffnext
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

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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

lay off

2 of 2

verb

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

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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 layoff
Noun
Hollywood is struggling with layoffs and budget cuts, but entertainment just overtook the automotive industry to become the world’s second-largest business sector. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 Employers attributed 87,714 layoffs to AI in just the first five months of 2026, more than the 54,836 associated with AI in all of 2025. — David Sanford, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
In case the winning bidder does not continue racing, the track will have to lay off its workforce. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 With that transition, Republic National plans to close sites in Charlotte and Raleigh, laying off 39 and 14 people, respectively. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for layoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoff
  1. dismissal
  2. winter
  3. stop
  4. firing
  5. break
  6. cease
  7. furlough
  8. downtime
Noun
  • Showers could develop around lunchtime and continue into the afternoon, potentially affecting school dismissal in some neighborhoods.
    — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Titans announced Elliott’s dismissal on Tuesday but provided no details on the incident that prompted it.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of dismissal
Noun
  • This winter, Deer Valley will unveil Hail Peak Express, opening access to 200 additional skiable acres and seven new runs.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Darker denim tones have really come into their own in the past year, and chocolate hues in particular are a fall fashion trend that shows no signs of slowing down in winter.
    — Georgia Trodd, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of winter
Verb
  • Luigi Carbone, Pope Leo XIV's physician, said the pontiff's recovery from lung cancer surgery won't stop plans for a visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru involving a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Another to stop solving problems his team brings him and teach them to solve it instead.
    — Ben Plomion, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of stop
Noun
  • Now, his firing triggers a buyout package of around $12 million, according to Yahoo's Ross Dellenger.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The container’s roof opens before launch, allowing the internal launcher to rise into its firing position.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of firing
Noun
  • The league has agreed to an extended All-Star break to accommodate the Olympics, but MLB also could tire of waiting for the union to agree with LA28, which badly wants MLB players to participate.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • After the break, Colleyville Heritage wide receiver Trevi Preische’s 10-yard TD reception helped the Panthers make some progress, but a 23-yard score from Caldwell put Argyle’s lead back to three-scores.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of break
Verb
  • After Epstein's 2019 arrest, federal prosecutors asked New Mexico to cease its own investigation of Epstein's activities in New Mexico.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • After dramatically reducing the number of children in hotels over the past three years, DHS ceased the practice entirely in November 2025.
    — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of cease
Noun
  • Layoffs, unpaid staff furloughs and school closures probably are ahead as the leaders downsize operations.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers faced pay cuts and furloughs from the decrease in flyers.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of furlough
Noun
  • Zoomlion’s research and development team in China worked remotely with engineers in Türkiye to diagnose issues and support maintenance, aiming to limit downtime.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • That downtime consists of school drop-offs, volunteering for lunch duty at his kids’ school, coaching his son’s flag-football team and honing his skills on the grill.
    — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of downtime

Browse Nearby Words

laymen
layoff
lay off
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Cite this Entry

“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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