as in ending
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laying off
Verb
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Hong Kong/Hangzhou — Stephen Curry announced a partnership for his signature brand with Li-Ning on Monday, ending his sneaker free agency in a major win for the Chinese sportswear giant.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026 -
Rasmus Hojlund confirmed last month that Napoli’s qualification for the Champions League triggered a clause which will turn his loan deal permanent, ending a three-year spell as a United player.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The latest the series can end is June 17; the shield stopping him from answering questions — not just about his past, but his present and future — is likely to stay in place.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Texas is split down the middle on which issue should take priority — stopping voter fraud or preventing eligible citizens from being turned away at the ballot box — as a poll shows the split is not a sign of moderation but of deep partisan polarization.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Verb
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While this weekend was about celebration, the recent announcement that another USL SL club, the Spokane Zephyr, is ceasing operations after just two seasons, put the overall plans for the league’s growth in question.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Determined to focus on peace The ceasefire is looking a little more firing and a little less ceasing this morning.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The court had ruled in favor of the attorneys’ clients, halting the deportation of three family members from India, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and the disciplinary ruling did not alter that November decision.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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However, the discomfort returned shortly after, halting his progress.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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This is a vivid example of lawmakers inadvertently potentially cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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Curtis recommends cutting off any browning leaves at the base with a sharp, clean pair of secateurs.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Smart power strips can help reduce energy waste by automatically shutting off devices not in use.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
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Tehran cemented its grip on the Strait of Hormuz; a few more tankers managed to pass through in the last few days, albeit only by either negotiating in advance with Iran, or by shutting off their transponders and racing through.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Among efforts—three engagements to women that ended up breaking off.—
Cathy Applefeld Olson,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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Honduras established diplomatic ties with China in 2023 after breaking off relations with Taiwan.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of many fans who took to social media to voice his displeasure with the service cutting out.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
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Fans of peptides are increasingly cutting out the middleman and ordering directly from gray-market suppliers.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Laying off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laying%20off. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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