1
2
as in to bribe
to influence someone with a bribe
she paid off the security guard so that she could steal whatever she liked
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in profit
the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received
the payoff on the investment was only about $500
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pivotal
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 payoff
Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
The gamble paid off for Cruise, Paramount Pictures and theaters worldwide with a thrilling $1.5 billion worldwide box office total (a sequel is in development).
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Here’s Oyster’s advice on how and where to start a style of fishing that favors craftsmanship plus time immersed in local waters, staying patient for a payoff moment.
—Outside Online, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for payoff
Noun
Your best bet to minimize your interest payments regardless of what the Fed does is to try to get a 0% balance transfer card that will give you up to 21 months to pay off your balance interest free.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
The gamble paid off for Cruise, Paramount Pictures and theaters worldwide with a thrilling $1.5 billion worldwide box office total (a sequel is in development).
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Adjective
The settlement could look like a payoff in exchange for government approval and would spark an outcry from CBS News journalists.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Here’s Oyster’s advice on how and where to start a style of fishing that favors craftsmanship plus time immersed in local waters, staying patient for a payoff moment.
—Outside Online, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for payoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payoff
Verb
-
Hochul disagrees with Mamdani’s plan to raise taxes on the rich to pay for his plans as mayor, such as free child care and buses.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
26 June 2025
-
Letarte expects teams to pay more attention to their In-Season Challenge competitors as the five-race tournament plays out, and the potential $1 million draws closer.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
No more sad scooping sessions or bribing your kids to help.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
18 June 2025
-
Officials allege that Daby Jr. and Duncan are responsible for operating the largest drug trafficking organizations throughout Guyana, relying on semi-submersible narco submarines and aircraft to transport cocaine while bribing local government officials.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Within the first year, the business not only turned a profit but recouped the entire startup investment.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
-
According to the Harvard Business Review, a 1% improvement in pricing can drive up to an 11% increase in profits.—
Vidhi Agrawal,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
These three organizations were pivotal to Hurricane Helene relief efforts and continue to help the community rebuild.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
-
The images of the attack were pivotal to Erin Smith's efforts to change the designation of her husband's death.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
The nomination comes just two days after Trump met with Pakistani Army Chief of Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir at the White House.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
-
Then the challenge can be met in a systematic way, with the planning and decision making stage aided by the deployment of digital tools.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
At the same time, central banks keep buying gold, continuing a trend that began years earlier.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 June 2025
-
Singh is believed to have bought the farmhouse and surrounding orchards in April 2023 using a U.S. Department of Agriculture mortgage program, according to Cal Fire investigators, who found that a month after the purchase, Singh transferred 50% of the property to Aaron and Simren Pamma.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
February 2025 Queen of Swords: February’s energy is pushing you to set clear boundaries and make decisive moves, especially in your financial or professional life this month.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
-
The decisive sequence started off with Martínez bearing down on Freese, his teammate at New York City FC, throwing him off with a wink before placing a cool kick as Freese dove the wrong way.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Instead, the person must show race was the crucial and deciding factor.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
-
The bullpen gave up the lead on the first pitch, and then three more in the deciding 10th inning.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Payoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payoff. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share