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

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

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
Several major companies including Amazon, Meta and Salesforce have announced layoffs tied to AI adoption. — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 1 July 2026 While some attribute layoffs to post-pandemic corrections, not solely AI, the true test is whether these leaner structures can effectively foster internal leadership development. — Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
For Ali, a Tehrani technician who had to lay off his half a dozen workers, the economic situation isn’t theoretical. — Kay Armin Serjoie, Time, 17 June 2026 Microsoft is preparing to lay off a significant chunk of its Xbox division and is reevaluating the plans for its next-generation Project Helix console. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 13 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
  • The insensitive promotion was swiftly canceled, leading to the CEO's dismissal, a public apology, and mandatory history training for 24,000 employees.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • But the European Court of Justice dismissal on Thursday marks the end of that process.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of dismissal
Noun
  • Last winter was the second-warmest on record, according to the city’s ordinance, with record low snowpack almost everywhere.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
  • As Norway has advanced in the World Cup, the atmosphere has grown more frenzied in the country than even during a summer or winter Olympics, Tufte said.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Definition of winter
Verb
  • When there was a pause in the action, referee Raphael Claus stopped the match to look at VAR to determine whether Balogun committed a foul worthy of a red card.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Making new friends isn’t something that has to stop at a certain point in your life.
    — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of stop
Noun
  • Nieporte filed a federal lawsuit in May against human resources company ADP Totalsource for its role in his firing, seeking at least $30 million.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • Such blindsiding firings aren't limited to struggling employees; experienced professionals and executives are also abruptly dismissed due to shifting business priorities, restructuring, or leadership changes.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of firing
Noun
  • Mauney, widely seen as the best rider of his generation and someone who braved the hardest bulls to ride, had to retire in 2023 after a neck break on a bull called Arctic Assassin.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes might pitch on the Sunday before the All-Star break, which would make Sánchez a logical choice.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of break
Verb
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment, the largest video game company in the world by direct revenue, will reportedly cease production of physical discs for its formidable library of games for the PlayStation console.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • Founder David DeHaney, who set up the company in 2016, announced the decision to cease trading and appoint an administrator on Thursday.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 2 July 2026
Definition of cease
Noun
  • The city of Dallas announced Tuesday that General Fund employees will be required to take at least three furlough days to address the 2026 budget shortfall.
    — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • According to the city, on the three dates, non-uniform employees funded by the city's general fund will be required to participate in the furlough, and the days will be recorded as leave without pay.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of furlough
Noun
  • Mindful downtime, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or reading instead of screen time, promotes better sleep and mental quiet.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • In the years since, the stars have hung out together at awards shows and other formal industry events while also enjoying downtime away from the spotlight.
    — Michael Nied, InStyle, 4 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of layoff for Spanish Speakers

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