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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Japan embarked on the path to policy normalization in March 2024, abandoning the world's last negative interest rate regime, and has stressed on raising rates subject to a virtuous cycle of growth in wages and prices.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026 -
The cards were left in several cars abandoned after their occupants were arrested by ICE agents earlier this week in Eagle County, during what Sánchez described as fake traffic stops.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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About 15 years ago, Kleinfeld’s took a stab at menswear by doing custom suits and tuxedos, but discontinued the business after only about 18 months.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Other EVs that made the KBB list include the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning for best electric truck (which is now discontinued until an extended range EV version arrives) and 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 for best EV.—
Sasha Lekach,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hechtman, who quit drinking in 2021 after participating in Dry January, a challenge to abstain from alcohol for 31 days, said her social life has flourished since then.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
24 Jan. 2026
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Eskander had been part of the original canon committee, but quit a year into the work.—
Colton Valentine,
New Yorker,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped six of their past 10 games and criticism of the team ramped up Thursday after the Los Angeles Clippers knocked off their crosstown rival.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Coal will drop from 17% to 15%.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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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 31 Jan. 2026.
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