as in paying up
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1
as in paying
to give what is owed for
I finally paid off the loan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bribing
to influence someone with a bribe
she paid off the security guard so that she could steal whatever she liked
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Recent Examples of paying off
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
These considerations are paying off as handsomely as genuflecting to government power used to (and often still does).
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Fast food’s juggling act — investing in value through promotions and discounts while raising prices on some premium items — appears to be paying off, according to Revenue Management Solutions, a restaurant consulting company.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
For example, paying off overdue federal taxes or bringing a federal student loan out of default could prevent an offset entirely.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
To the contrary, the evidence showed that Aquarion customers will see immediate and sustained bill increases from the transaction, in addition to being saddled with paying off the debt service for decades to come.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
The sudden vacuum of hits from distance paying off, and consequent sudden drop in xG overperformance, coincided with the nosedive in the team’s form, resulting in three wins in the next 10 matches across all competitions.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The moment causes Byron, a selfish and braggadocious villain, to have a change of heart, stopping shipments of The Beauty and paying off the families ravaged by its gruesome side effects, like Bella’s.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Now, the Americans' wager is paying off.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Fifteen years in, the strategy is paying off.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
These considerations are paying off as handsomely as genuflecting to government power used to (and often still does).
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Fast food’s juggling act — investing in value through promotions and discounts while raising prices on some premium items — appears to be paying off, according to Revenue Management Solutions, a restaurant consulting company.
—Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
For example, paying off overdue federal taxes or bringing a federal student loan out of default could prevent an offset entirely.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
To the contrary, the evidence showed that Aquarion customers will see immediate and sustained bill increases from the transaction, in addition to being saddled with paying off the debt service for decades to come.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
The sudden vacuum of hits from distance paying off, and consequent sudden drop in xG overperformance, coincided with the nosedive in the team’s form, resulting in three wins in the next 10 matches across all competitions.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The moment causes Byron, a selfish and braggadocious villain, to have a change of heart, stopping shipments of The Beauty and paying off the families ravaged by its gruesome side effects, like Bella’s.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Now, the Americans' wager is paying off.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paying off
Verb
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The list prices of their shots are roughly $1,000 per month before insurance and other rebates, or discounts for cash-paying patients — a sum that has long prevented many others from starting and staying on treatment.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
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Many players also opt for deferrals and large signing bonuses (as opposed to a higher salary) to avoid paying income tax in certain states.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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And after CLEAResult fired Darlington in 2017, the brothers began bribing CLEAResult employee Peter Marra — sending him cash and gift cards for special favors like getting heads-ups on inspections and audits.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Asha was bribing people to use a scale!—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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CarMax doesn’t charge an origination fee or prepayment penalty, but late fees can vary by state and contract.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2026
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In addition, the state’s new two-week prepayment review for medical assistance claims has resulted in some cost savings, Campbell said.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Debt relief programs, including debt settlement, can sometimes halt garnishment activity by negotiating a lump-sum resolution or structured repayment plan directly with the creditor.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Caminar is seeking repayment from Williams.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At Harmar Bait and Tackle, there was a steady stream of customers either buying bait or getting trout fishing licenses.—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Sleeping positions and firmness Beyond mattress type, your preferred sleep position and mattress firmness (how hard or soft a bed feels) are other important factors to consider when buying a mattress.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Providers frequently cite low reimbursement rates from the state as a reason for not accepting Medi-Cal patients.—
Kristen Hwang,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2026
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Criminals are exploiting Medicare and Medicaid by submitting false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement, according to the Treasury, potentially involving nonexistent or unnecessary medical services.—
Kate Nalepinski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paying off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paying%20off. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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