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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • Potter had just been appointed after Julen Lopetegui’s disruptive dismissal and West Ham did win at Manchester United and Ipswich Town in the last three games to bring some light to the season’s end.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Its current trustees have expressed hope that the La Jolla Town Council can move on peacefully from its recent turmoil involving a series of executive actions, member dismissals, resignations and impassioned public comments.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 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 cabins opened for the summer season in May after being vacant over the winter.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • For the the Lynx system replaced by Scout vans, buses will stop running routes on Jan. 10.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Although the Bay Area sales tax hike and the statewide transit bond would have to go on the ballot for voter approval next year, SB 79 could become law this week if nothing is done to stop it.
    Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Despite the hiatus, Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson and Carlos Pena Jr. stayed friends during the break and the foursome reunited in 2021 with new music and a tour.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 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
  • In markets prone to extreme weather, the most prepared operators have generators, belts, filters, fans and more on hand to minimize downtime when there’s a local disruption.
    Ryan Mallory, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Some residents of the Oxfordshire hamlet were upset by Vance choosing their region to spend some downtime.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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