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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Steve Inskeep, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Democrats remained committed to their demands for extending expiring Biden-era Obamacare subsidies in exchange for reopening the government, and the White House reaffirmed mass layoff plans and slashed federal projects already funded in blue states.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Saks Fulfillment Center in Rutherford County, 446 workers A Saks Fifth Avenue distribution center in La Vergne will permanently close this year and lay off 446 workers, a WARN notice said.
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for layoff
Noun
The White House has proposed layoffs to the federal workforce in response to a prolonged shutdown, which has drawn a lawsuit from various unions representing federal workers.
—Steve Inskeep, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Democrats remained committed to their demands for extending expiring Biden-era Obamacare subsidies in exchange for reopening the government, and the White House reaffirmed mass layoff plans and slashed federal projects already funded in blue states.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
When those dollars disappear, organizations must decide whether to cut programs, lay off staff, or close.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Saks Fulfillment Center in Rutherford County, 446 workers A Saks Fifth Avenue distribution center in La Vergne will permanently close this year and lay off 446 workers, a WARN notice said.
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for layoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for layoff
Noun
-
The director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, Sergio Gor, announced Shogan’s dismissal in February on social media.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Attorneys argued in court Thursday morning over Trauernicht’s request for the diversion program, which could result in the dismissal of his felony charge for the alleged crime.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Several additional actions are planned for the fall and winter months.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
In the Upper South, provide camellias with protection from winter winds and plant in partial shade to prevent problems associated with temperature swings.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The trend shows no signs of stopping.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
To help stop the spread, wash your hands, avoid sick areas, and report symptoms quickly.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
White House officials have for days warned of widespread layoffs across the government if the shutdown continues, even though past shutdowns have led to furloughs but not firings.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
7 Oct. 2025
-
No firings have yet been announced.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The center will be open during Alverno's summer and winter breaks and fees will still apply, Steiner said.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The humble soybean has become a flashpoint in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies after Beijing ceased all purchases from the US.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Guests who fail to comply will be asked to cease smoking.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The White House has also said the shutdown could lead to more layoffs instead of furloughs.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Leavitt and Vance told reporters that a prolonged shutdown would require permanent cuts, even while lapses in spending generally only lead to temporary furloughs.—
Franco Ordoñez,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Operators can load or unload the truck in less than one minute and both the truck and trailer in less than five minutes, reducing downtime and increasing mission effectiveness, according to the company.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Compact and easy to bring anywhere, KidQuest turns downtime into bonding time.—
Emily Glover,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Layoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/layoff. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share