as in to abandon
to stop doing (something) permanently
we warned him to lay off of the cigarette smoking
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay off (of)
Verb
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The Miami Hurricanes are at home, while the entire state of Indiana – save for some in West Lafayette – is content to abandon their homes to enjoy this unexpectedly stupefying playoff march.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026 -
Season One concludes with the Texas Tech geology graduate abandoning a well crew after tragedy strikes, only to achieve rapid success in his personal and work endeavors.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Just weeks ago, Taco Bell brought back the popular Quesarito in time for the holidays after the item had been discontinued in 2023.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
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As of the end of the 2025 model year, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Chrysler Pacifica PHEV have all officially been discontinued—not paused or back-burnered.—
Byron Hurd,
The Drive,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Placer County, which estimates that 16,000 residents could lose health care coverage by 2028, quit operating its own clinics nearly a decade ago.—
KFF Health News,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
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After quitting acting, Kibrick attended the University of Southern California and worked in real estate development.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When this happens, visibilities frequently drop to one-quarter of a mile or less.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Bears were once hunted so much in Japan that their population dropped precipitously – but environmental protections were introduced in the 1990s, allowing the bear population to recover.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lay off (of).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20off%20%28of%29. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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