Synonyms of layoff

layoff 1 of 2

noun

ˈlā-ˌȯf 

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

• dismissal
• firing
• furlough
• ax
• discharge
• redundancy
• downsizing
• closing
• sack
• shutdown
• boot
• pink slip
• shakeout
• heave-ho
• bird
• bum's rush
• shake-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reemployment
• recall
• callback
• rehiring
• rehire

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

• winter
• break
• downtime
• lull
• time-out
• interruption
• suspension
• pause
• breath
• recess
• breather
• suspense
• abeyance
• latency
• dormancy
• doldrums
• quiescence

lay off

2 of 2

verb

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

• stop
• cease
• end
• halt
• cut off
• shut off
• quit
• cut out
• leave off
• break off
• desist (from)
• have done with
• delay
• pack (up or in)
• break up
• knock off
• drop
• suspend
• discontinue
• can
• give over
• conclude
• finish
• break
• put the kibosh on
• close (down)
• check
• hold back
• complete
• turn back
• block
• clamp down
• pause
• rein (in)
• ruin
• stem
• hinder
• stay
• impede
• hold
• deactivate
• dam
• suppress
• obstruct
• detain
• blockade
• brake
• abort
• destroy
• stamp
• scuttle
• arrest
• call
• dissolve
• stunt
• squelch
• abolish
• squash
• kill
• demolish
• snuff
• annul
• kibosh
• stanch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• carry on
• continue
• run on
• keep up
• proceed
• advance
• progress
• follow through (with)
• drive
• stir
• propel
• actuate
• impel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of layoff

Noun

The layoffs and exigency declaration come as Illinois Tech has already planned for a sweeping shift in its operations, including a restructuring of its academic institutions. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

On the ​data front, job openings dropped ⁠in June, weighed down by a sharp decline in the healthcare and social assistance sector, but a rise in hiring and low layoffs suggested the labor market remained stable. — Reuters, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

In case the winning bidder does not continue racing, the track will have to lay off its workforce. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

With that transition, Republic National plans to close sites in Charlotte and Raleigh, laying off 39 and 14 people, respectively. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026