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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
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Recent Examples of pay off
Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
After a second chance at adoption, Thor's patience and gentle heart have finally paid off.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Ew Staff, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Start your trip-planning with route options that link the state’s best camping options along the way—worthy destinations in their own right for campers who value fall-foliage panorama payoffs, the East’s most brilliant night-sky views, secluded swimming holes, and tranquil riverside camps.
—Outside Online, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay off
Verb
This strategy might pay off because Samsung has always been unclear about its Galaxy AI pricing plans.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
After a second chance at adoption, Thor's patience and gentle heart have finally paid off.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Noun
The show is a slow burn, but the payoff in the final episodes is worth the wait.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Start your trip-planning with route options that link the state’s best camping options along the way—worthy destinations in their own right for campers who value fall-foliage panorama payoffs, the East’s most brilliant night-sky views, secluded swimming holes, and tranquil riverside camps.
—Outside Online, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pay off
Verb
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Blanchfield’s management team reported that she will be paid her full show and win money for UFC Vegas 107.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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That work has given him enough money to pay for car insurance and other expenses, but not enough to move out from his parents’ home.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
2 June 2025
Verb
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On the same weekend that Budin and Rosenthal tried to bribe Mickey Bruce, a player from Florida reported a similar bribery attempt involving a game between the Gators and Florida State.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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For federal prosecutors in L.A., hanging over the case was the memory of a recent humiliation: the collapse of the Pentagon Papers trial, as a result of the Nixon administration’s attempt to bribe the presiding judge with a job.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Does the employer pay for the worker’s time, regardless of the outcome, thereby protecting the worker from losses or limiting the right to a profit?—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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The upward trend in brand support was so steep for a period of time that some sponsors were accused of exploiting LGBTQ issues for the purpose of turning a profit.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Competing for the pivotal center position are Carter Miller and Cameron Kinnie, both vying to distinguish themselves and seize this critical spot in the lineup.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
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His trades for Gobert and Randle/DiVincenzo were widely criticized at the outset but validated over time as the players got acclimated to Minnesota and played pivotal roles in the franchise’s rise to consistent contender status.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
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With a black brace on his left arm, Steele met with reporters in the home clubhouse before Tuesday’s 4-3 11-inning win over the Colorado Rockies, publicly addressing his future for the first time since the operation.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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On May 26, the royal couple will visit a large park in Ottawa and meet vendors and artists, according to Buckingham Palace.—
Michael Holden,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Having traveled to 75 countries, bought real estate in 24, established businesses in 7, and educated her children in 4, Kathleen is the go-to expert on expat life.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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And Treat Powdery Mildew On Plants How To Use Neem Oil Most gardeners buy neem oil in a ready-to-use spray, but it can be purchased as a concentrate.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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In the decisive third set, Sabalenka double-faulted to give Gauff a break for 2-1. Gauff led 3-1 and had break points for 4-1 but Sabalenka held and then broke for 3-all.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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The next debate, in which the top-performing candidates face off, may prove to be more decisive.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Instead, the person must show race was the crucial and deciding factor.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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The bullpen gave up the lead on the first pitch, and then three more in the deciding 10th inning.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pay off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pay%20off. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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