as in abandoning
to stop doing (something) permanently
we warned him to lay off of the cigarette smoking
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laying off (of)
Verb
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However, that action then sparked outrage among many residents who felt the city was abandoning homeless residents, while also trying to push them to other cities.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026 -
At the same time, demand for nonalcoholic alternatives has surged — even as most consumers continue to drink alcohol in moderation rather than abandoning it altogether.—
Jason Mastrodonato,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The report also said that General Motors executives have discussed discontinuing some electric trucks, too, citing people familiar with the matter.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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The states’ lawsuit warned that discontinuing the grant funding would irreparably harm students, leaving many rural and low-income schools without mental health providers or services critical to students’ safety and well-being.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Charlotte Moore has made her first statement hire since quitting the BBC to join The Crown producer Left Bank.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
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Ariana Grande is opening up about nearly quitting music.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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No shortcuts, no giving up - just more studying and even more determination.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Miami’s defense seemed flummoxed, giving up a 35-yard TD pass for the second TD.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tu knows this season will look and feel a lot different for people this year (between the limited funds for gifts, traveling to see family and dropping money on once-a-year expenses).—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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The Arizona transfer torched KU last year, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and dropping 19 points.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Laying off (of).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laying%20off%20%28of%29. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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