1
as in pays
to give what is owed for
I finally paid off the loan
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bribes
to influence someone with a bribe
she paid off the security guard so that she could steal whatever she liked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pays off
Research suggests wildfire mitigation work pays off.
—
Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Sometimes that strategy pays off.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Work with an agent who knows Charlotte Local expertise pays off in negotiation.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Furthermore, Sharpe spent six months learning how to tinkle the ivories, an impressive commitment which pays off during the pivotal piano battles and ensures a welcome absence of clumsy cutaways from fingers to face.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
Until 2037 the effective rate will be closer to 28%, as the city pays off debts related to a separate, previous set of incentives.
—Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Experience, often in multiple systems, pays off at skill positions more than ever.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
The service This is where staying in a luxury hotel really pays off.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Residents can request the HOA be turned over to them, but Pulte also currently pays off the HOA’s yearly budget shortfall, according to company officials.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Sometimes that strategy pays off.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 28 May 2026
Work with an agent who knows Charlotte Local expertise pays off in negotiation.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Furthermore, Sharpe spent six months learning how to tinkle the ivories, an impressive commitment which pays off during the pivotal piano battles and ensures a welcome absence of clumsy cutaways from fingers to face.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
Until 2037 the effective rate will be closer to 28%, as the city pays off debts related to a separate, previous set of incentives.
—Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Experience, often in multiple systems, pays off at skill positions more than ever.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
The service This is where staying in a luxury hotel really pays off.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Residents can request the HOA be turned over to them, but Pulte also currently pays off the HOA’s yearly budget shortfall, according to company officials.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pays off
Verb
-
Inspired by Portugal’s traditional and contemporary flavors, Baleia also pays respect to the country’s seamen—generations of fishers, sailors and whalers—who traveled the globe and returned with culinary influence, especially from North Africa, China and the Caribbean.—
Jillian Dara,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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The city has fallen back on multiple tax measures to draw more money, though spending cuts have also alleviated — for now — yearly deficits in the General Purpose Fund budget, which pays for most salaries and daily operations.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
In one of the film’s most madcap and darkly comedic moments, Linda bribes her daughter with the promise of a pet hamster — who turns out to be a biter, desperate to escape its box.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Rolling Stone,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The SoonerSafe Rebate Program pays up to 75% of the cost of a new safe room, up to $3,000.—
Dale Denwalt,
Oklahoman,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Norton, his interest piqued, pays up to discover there is more like it at Ox Lake, 600 miles farther north in the open tundra known as the Barren Grounds.—
Malcolm Forbes,
Washington Post,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Think Woodstock lodge meets the French Alps meets Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the winter where classic rock 'n' roll tunes from the likes of Springsteen and The Stones add to its cozy retro vibe.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Eventually Erica Kane meets Dimitri, and they get married and divorced and married again.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The team has only one main pitcher, Taylor Tinsley, who’s spent the most time in the circle in the NCAA tournament with 29-1/3 innings pitched.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
For example some restaurants, such as the main restaurant ALBA, can be set up with ramps, while the hotel has wheelchairs available onsite that are suited to hard surfaces.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Iraq buys electricity from the autonomous Kurdish region.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
And, when its time to sell, APMEX also buys gold, silver and platinum from consumers.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
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The victim of his sacrifice is Gretchen, a virgin whom Faust seduces and abandons in his devilish reverie, and who kills their illegitimate child.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pays off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pays%20off. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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