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
These reforms may put additional strain on an already-buckling Department of Education, which was hit by mass layoffs earlier this spring that effectively cut the department’s workforce in half and likely has contributed to the existing backlogs. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 While the Louisville plant expansion will initially employ fewer workers than currently, Ford anticipates future growth and no layoffs, with some workers potentially taking buyouts or transferring. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
The first was choosing to temporarily forgo health insurance when she was laid off from her job. Tony Leys, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025 Most recently, Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations laid off members of its statewide reporting team, citing state budget cuts. Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for layoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoff
Noun
  • When women stop accepting dismissal, innovation follows.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Bush was placed on mandatory leave pending dismissal, officials said.
    Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Warm-season grasses are dormant in winter and have a flush of growth when spring arrives.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The scenic drive is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in summer, with last entry at 4:30 p.m. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last entry at 2:30 p.m. in the winter.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Texas Democrats fled their state on August 3, heading to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts, in order to stop Republicans from approving the redrawn House maps sought by President Donald Trump that would give the GOP five more winnable seats before next year's midterm elections.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • That means that education will continue to be a big part in stopping scammers.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Amid intensifying scrutiny over deteriorating employment figures, President Trump on Aug. 1 ordered the firing of Erika McEntarfer, the commissioner of the BLS.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
  • This is why the enemies of cancel culture cannot help but compare the firing of Hollywood directors to witch hunts.
    Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This can significantly improve efficiency and reduce errors, making the 15-minute breaks a worthwhile investment in long-term productivity.
    Nancy Pulciano, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The Texas Tribune reported that Democrats spent around $10,000 a day on lodging and food during the walkout, paid by the House Democratic Caucus, additional fundraising around the quorum break, and out of lawmakers’ pockets.
    Rachael Dziaba, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Martial law is usually enacted when civilian authority has ceased to function, is completely absent, or has become ineffective.
    Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The budget process hasn’t even started, and Johnson already has ruled out any concessions from unionized city workers like layoffs or furloughs to balance next year’s books.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
  • The furloughs go into effect on Nov. 1, the U.S. pioneer of no-frills travel confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY Monday, July 28, adding that the decision will better support its flight staffing schedule.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • While 'solo' Predator and Alien flicks were having some downtime in the 2000s, both franchises were kept alive with comic books, video games, and the two divisive Alien vs. Predator movies.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Government agencies had an average of a month of downtime following ransomware attacks.
    Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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