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
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
And sometimes, all that effort pays off.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
All that work building a mental map of London pays off in more ways than one.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
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
And sometimes, all that effort pays off.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
All that work building a mental map of London pays off in more ways than one.
—Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pays off
Verb
-
Cooper’s agent, Felicity Blunt, was one of five Rivals executive producers who delved deep into why the author meant so much to the world and how the show starring David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson pays tribute to her memory.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
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Typically, Netflix pays just an upfront fee rather than offering viewership incentive bonuses.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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For example, my husband meets either in person, on Zoom or by phone with more than 10 people weekly.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
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The campaign unfolds as a romantic American pop star fantasy, where soft vintage femininity meets Western Americana and melodic storytelling.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Studies have suggested that the pill results in more pronounced weight loss than Foundayo and has certain cardiovascular benefits, but so far, no clinical trial has directly compared the two drugs.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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The year-round surf breaks—including the fast-barreling tubes of Cloud 9, some 30 minutes from the resort—draw most visitors to the island, and Nay Palad’s team has a Rolodex of pro surf instructors on call to show guests the best waves.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Verb
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And any country that buys cheap Russian oil to prop up Putin that doesn’t help Ukraine can be tariffed.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
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The May 27 move buys IO breathing room and a less crowded release window.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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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 19 May. 2026.
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