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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
as in to stop
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
you need to lay off eating those jelly doughnuts, or you'll end up looking like one
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of layoff
NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Paramount had more than 18,600 employees at the end of 2024, though there have been additional layoffs earlier this year before the Skydance deal closed.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
When those dollars disappear, organizations must decide whether to cut programs, lay off staff, or close.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for layoff
Noun
The slight downward revision from what the administration had provided last Friday included the disclosure that roughly 800 employees within the Department of Health and Human Services were erroneously issued layoff notices.
—NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Paramount had more than 18,600 employees at the end of 2024, though there have been additional layoffs earlier this year before the Skydance deal closed.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Managers generally lay off workers for objective and subjective reasons, said Alan Guarino, vice chairman of CEO and board services at Korn Ferry.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
When those dollars disappear, organizations must decide whether to cut programs, lay off staff, or close.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for layoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoff
Noun
-
Janssen’s dismissal flipped the script.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Bolton’s team is likely to seek dismissal or suppression of materials, arguing political motivation and lack of intent, while the Justice Department pushes to protect classified details.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But while the courses are good in Munich, the winter climate makes playing tricky for half the year.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The cases are further elevated by subtle metallic accents, ideal for a rich winter wardrobe.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Wearing a floor-length brown double-breasted coat featuring buttons that stopped at her waist, the attire created a sultry thigh-high slit that allowed Jolie's leg to peek through.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
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Studies in animals and reports from people show that the side effects of this drug can continue even after someone stops taking it.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Additionally, the school did not give Lea 180 days notice of her firing, as outlined in her employment agreement, according to the lawsuit.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
21 Oct. 2025
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His firing is the latest sign that the easy times for US CEOs are quickly drawing to a close.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Quentin Johnston came up with their first down after the break.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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However, during the shutdown, VA benefits regional offices are closed, transition program assistance has ceased and VA cemetery grounds are not being maintained.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Past this point, plant growth will begin to cease, resulting in the same state in their crops as if a hard freeze has happened.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
During the government shutdown, many workers are feeling the squeeze through furloughs or working without pay.—
Margaret Barthel,
NPR,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Federal law enforcement agencies are exempt from furloughs during the government shutdown that started October 1.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Swift reportedly spends much of her downtime baking and creating loaves to share with friends, family, and, apparently, late-night hosts.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
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With 51 hours of downtime per month, that translates potentially to a loss of $17 million monthly and $200 million-plus annually.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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