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
Employees were distraught over cuts and layoffs, while the company's franchised retailers were livid about Stellantis' sales and market share losses under Tavares. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 23 June 2025 In a period of mass layoffs and company restructuring, the purchasing power of consumers is needed now more than ever. Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 23 June 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
  • Without any consequences, this autocratic politician will continue to push the limits of his authority beyond the breaking point until someone forces him to stop.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • In a new interview with i Paper, the legendary guitarist and songwriter opened up about the chaotic sequence of events earlier this year involving Starkey’s firing, rehiring and eventual departure.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 22 June 2025
  • LeBlanc was in line to take over the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans, but following her firing by her grandfather and the subsequent public falling out, Benson’s wife, Gayle Benson, became the team’s principal owner following his death in 2018.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Aaron Nola is out until at least after the All-Star break; the earliest he can be activated is July 18.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Raleigh, 28, hit two home runs, his 28th and 29th of the season, and broke Bench’s record for most home runs for a catcher before the All-Star break.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Seven of the health facilities that Save the Children had supported in the region have fully closed, and 20 more have partly ceased operations.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025
  • In 2021, Iran revealed its plan for taking enrichment from 20% to 60%, and soon afterward ceased to provide any further details on its fuel-making program.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • During an interview with a Courant reporter in 2000, Meade denied killing Rayner and blamed state police inquiries for his furloughs being taken away, according to reports.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
  • The motion for a temporary furlough was filed in the Northern District of Illinois, where Kelly was criminally convicted.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 20 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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