Synonyms of outlay

outlay 1 of 2

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlā 

as in expense

a payment made in the course of achieving a result

the outlays for the couple's upcoming wedding seem to be multiplying at an incredible rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expense
• cost
• expenditure
• price
• disbursement
• outgo
• charge
• rate
• overhead
• outflow
• tariff
• toll
• spending money
• pocket money
• tab

outlay

2 of 2

verb

ˈau̇t-ˌlā 

as in to spend

to hand over or use up in payment

the nation had outlaid nearly 20 billion dollars on social programs at that point

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spend
• pay
• expend
• give
• disburse
• lay out
• shell out
• lavish
• fork (over, out, or up)
• drop
• waste
• rain
• throw away
• run through
• blow
• squander
• dissipate
• fritter (away)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• save
• make
• acquire
• procure
• hoard
• gain
• earn
• realize
• secure
• lay up
• win
• cache
• garner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outlay

Noun

The All-America survey finds that 60% of those with incomes below $30,000 are reducing their outlays for essentials, compared with just 35% of those with incomes above $100,000. — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Energy Substantiation is seeking to open up the market to anyone with a crypto wallet and a small outlay. — Mia Gindis, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Verb

Microsoft plans to outlay $4 billion in the next five years worldwide. — Paresh Dave, Wired News, 24 Dec. 2025

Vasquez then asked if the RDA had outlaid any money for LaPorte County for shoreline development. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025