OUTLAY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

outlay 1 of 2

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlā

Definition of outlay

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

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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

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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 outlay

Noun

Environmental Protection Agency outlays dropped $20 billion (59%) because of lower clean-energy grant disbursements. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 In 2025, 73 percent of federal outlays were on mandatory spending or interest payments, which are legally obligated to continue. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for outlay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlay

Noun

For now, the Coalition for Prediction Markets is spending a fraction of Kalshi’s direct lobbying expenses.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Offer an upbeat alternative that costs less, and track the expense so freedom still feels available.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of expense

Noun

The cost of powering homes is also up, with electricity and piped gas both costing around 4% more annually.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
This points to global streaming services nearing a precipice for cost increases, as the proliferation of services available and a general caution around spending mean consumers are becoming less likely to accept higher and higher demands.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of cost

Verb

Critics argue such arrangements force consumers to pay for surplus electricity, although Manga said such guarantees were necessary to secure financing for capital-intensive projects.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
For Medicare patients, doctors are paid an additional 6% of the drug’s average price for each infusion.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pay

Noun

Yet, despite decades of effort and millions in capital expenditures, true end-to-end lineage across a complex enterprise mosaic of custom builds and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products remained an elusive goal.

— Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Traders will also get the latest reading on the personal consumption expenditures price index, which is slated for release next Wednesday.

— Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of expenditure

Browse Nearby Words

outlaws

outlay

outlaying

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Style

“Outlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlay. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of outlay

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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