layoff 1 of 2

Definition of layoffnext
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

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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
In the past year, CBS has enacted cruel and needless layoffs across the organization and shuttered CBS News Radio. Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 June 2026 What is the impact of high gas prices, tech layoffs and Spirit’s bankruptcy? Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Verb
The cuts come as other major tech companies this year, including Meta, Block, Oracle and others, lay off thousands of workers. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 In a controversial move, the school board opted to issue lay off notices for every member of the district office’s central staff — including the district’s top leader, Cancy McArn. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for layoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoff
Noun
  • Hall heard oral arguments for the dismissal in April and has yet to issue a ruling.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • At dismissal, Fridley Middle’s teachers and many support staff put on their jackets, scarves and gloves and walked outside.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • This is worsened by record temperatures and a record-low snowpack this winter season.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • Maryland’s identity is intertwined with the luminous blue crab, which builds up fat reserves in the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay during winter hibernation, giving it a bold, rich flavor.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • In order to secure the funds, the family members submitted fake financial instruments and money orders, continuing to do so even after the IRS sent them letters telling them to stop, according to the statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
  • The order, which Trump signed in private on June 2, stops short of mandating that the federal government conduct safety evaluations and cybersecurity testing for advanced AI products.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Pelley heard those comments, evidently for the first time, during his emotional first interview after the firing.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026
  • In this particular moment, this summer, there has been a severe rupture, and that's partly because of the way that these firings were carried out.
    Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Mark my words, Rosewood will make travelers start regarding Phuket as a tasteful destination, to tack on as the beach break during trips to Bangkok or Singapore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Despite the quick start, Vegas did catch a major break on a fortunate bounce to cut the lead to 2-1, a goal that was credited to Shea Theodore.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • In the company of Charlie and Catherine, Leonora ceases to feel like herself.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • The move comes after FanDuel Sports Network Florida ceased local-rights operations at the conclusion of this past season.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • In addition to layoffs, Bell is entering a four-week furlough period for certain staff on the MV-75 team that begins June 14.
    Mary Ella Hastings, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
  • One that would restore medical parole and medical furlough as exceptions to the elimination of parole recently passed.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • And some airports can turn the often necessary downtime into an experience worthy of the stop.
    Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
  • But White and Borsari have also been planning out the programming that will fill the downtime between fights.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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