layoff 1 of 2

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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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

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
During his first term, Trump sought congressional approval to mandate similar layoffs. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 8 July 2025 Schumer requested that the Department of Commerce’s acting inspector general, Roderick Anderson, look into whether the layoffs affected the response time to the disaster. Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2025
Verb
Online dating platform Bumble plans to lay off about 240 employees, roughly 30% of its global workforce. Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025 The company previously laid off around 350 workers in January 2024, which similarly amounted to 30% of its workforce at the time. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for layoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoff
Noun
  • Both the Associated Press and NBC News reported the dismissals on June 27, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter and a letter signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to one of the attorneys.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 29 June 2025
  • The recent dismissal of Carla Hayden, the first woman and first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress, signals a troubling disregard for the importance and neutrality of libraries.
    Linda Johnson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • In late winter to early spring, carpenter ants swarm to mate and start new colonies.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
  • Despite its latitude, winters are milder than expected, averaging 39°F (4°C) from December to February.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The state will become the second following Utah to stop public utilities from fluoridating water.
    Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • Trying to stop the runaway, Jeff was knocked to the concrete and sustained a fractured skull and other life-threatening injuries that left him in a coma for weeks.
    Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The firings of immigration judges in February as part of the administration’s cost cutting DOGE program added to the backlog strain.
    Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025
  • Kennedy's firing and replacing the entire slate of advisers shifts the fundamental purpose of the group, says Schwartz.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Elsewhere, a late summer to late spring schedule is the norm—though several European leagues require multi-week winter breaks to avoid the worst temperatures.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • But hosting a dinner party for your family-money-wealthy English boyfriend and his colleagues during a heatwave when the fridge breaks, alcohol flows, and an unexpected guest shows up?
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • When the questioning ceased, committee Chair Rep. Doug Miller R-Elkhart, thanked the fruitful advocates for their time.
    Anna Cecil, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
  • The order instructs the testing facility to cease operations as of July 4, and gives them 21 days to request for a hearing over the commission’s action.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Mohammadi, who is serving a 13-year, 9-month sentence, was granted a medical furlough from the prison, where many of the country's dissidents and political prisoners are held.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2025
  • Many state workers remember when former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger instituted mandatory furloughs on several occasions.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, passion for work was shown to be positively related to engaging in mastery and control experiences during downtime.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Produced by Omar El Kadi) After break-up, Assia seeks downtime with her family which has just opened a restaurant in Spain.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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