as in stops
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 lays off
Verb
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Once the larger transfer is sent, the account suddenly stops responding.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026 -
The grinder is operated with one touch and automatically stops when your grounds are ready to go.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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From Rue’s spiraling addiction to Maddy’s (Alexa Demie) fearless confidence, the cast of Euphoria never ceases to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
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Officials discussed both diplomatic and economic measures their countries could implement now and after the fighting ceases to help secure the shipping route, according to NPR's Fatima Al-Kassab.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Creating that kind of structure, Manning suggests, is essential to easing the pressure teachers carry long after the school day ends.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
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The company in the new agreement removed the biggest obstacle — the right to keep workers for at least three hours after their shift ends at its discretion — from their proposal Local 12775 Vice President Vern Beck told the Post-Tribune Friday.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay, which immediately halts most collection actions, including garnishment.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
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And even if Israel halts its strikes on Iran, there’s no guarantee Tehran will reciprocate.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As the rocket’s core stage cuts off, the zero G indicator will begin to float, identifying the moment when the crew is officially in space.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
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Turning your phone off or using airplane mode cuts off wireless communication while still allowing alarms to work.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Each one of those, in this quantum theory, breaks off into another block of cheese.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Mar. 2026
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State officials compared the project to Boise’s Flying Wye, where the I-184 Connector breaks off from I-84 west of downtown Boise.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This shuts off the engine at stoplights or when idling, and restarts it once the accelerator is pressed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
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This device recognizes when nature brings the water that your lawn needs and shuts off automatic sprinklers.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Despite going through breakups in the public eye, many Hollywood couples decided to remain friends after calling it quits.—
Avalon Hester,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
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Rodrigo and Partridge were first linked in 2023 before calling it quits in late 2025.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
17 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Lays off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lays%20off. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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