as in to store
to put (something of future use or value) in a safe or secret place
the weather forecast warned of a severe storm, so we laid away a generous supply of bottled water and canned food just in case
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in installment plan
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lay away
Tom Hyland, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2021
Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adopted from South Korea as a baby, she was raised lovingly by parents who did their best, recalling a home where household goods were often purchased on layaway.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay away
Verb
Yet, despite the tannins, Freisa is not a wine to lay away in most examples, but rather one that should be enjoyed early on, often chilled, with soups, seafood or lighter meats.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2021
Noun
There is also a layaway plan for single-day general admission tickets that starts at $50.
—Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adopted from South Korea as a baby, she was raised lovingly by parents who did their best, recalling a home where household goods were often purchased on layaway.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lay away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lay away
Verb
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But Sorgenfrei said the cost and efficiency of storing a backup bike in the Peninsula won't be feasible.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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Ultraviolet light from its host star triggers the creation of sulfur dioxide in the upper atmosphere, and a massive sub-surface magma ocean acts as a buffer, storing and releasing volatile gases over billions of years.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At the time, the city offered businesses a 12-month installment plan to resolve their outstanding taxes.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
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In February 2009, former Diamondbacks CEO Jeff Moorad became the Padres’ CEO and presumptive team owner after majority owner John Moores agreed to a three-year installment plan to transfer control of the club.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to Spickard, the top slots are useful for stashing brushes and pencils.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
15 Mar. 2026
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Everly Quinn Shoe Storage Cabinet Set For big households—or avid shoe collectors—this set of cabinets can stash up to 32 pairs in four flip-out drawers.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Citi hiring and what to expect in Charlotte Citi anticipates hiring for support services, risk management, client credit, personal banking and financial risk.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
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Often these are aimed at either conning applicants into paying up-front fees or providing personal information that the scammers later use to gain access to credit in the victim’s name.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Within a day, their headquarters near Tehran’s Azadi Stadium lay in ruins.—
Richard Goldberg,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
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The patient lay in an operating room at St Bernard's Hospital.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But thanks to their reproductive vigor — females can lay up to 25,000 eggs in a single season — their numbers quickly hopped out of hand.—
Shi En Kim,
AZCentral.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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Female wasps can lay up to 200 eggs a day as long as a host insect is available.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While a few noted that the croissant had decent flavor, most were off-put by the lack of color and dough-like texture.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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Flip the script and set up an entryway for staying put by placing a comfy daybed by the door.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
Video
Lay vs. Lie
Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Lay away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lay%20away. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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