pays off

verb

present tense third-person singular of pay off
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

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 pays off Upon approval, the new lender pays off your existing loan and then assumes the remaining balance. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 8 July 2026 Thus, other states may be watching Kentucky and North Carolina to see if these moves to tax the prediction market companies pays off. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pays off
  1. pays
  2. bribes
  3. pays up
  4. has
  5. meets
  6. buys
  7. seduces
Verb
  • Currently, a person who earns $184,500 per year pays the same amount in annual Social Security taxes as a person who earns $5 million per year.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
  • The Goalkeeper’s Hands The keeper is the only player allowed to use their hands, and pays for it up top.
    — Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of pays
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
Definition of bribes
Verb
  • The Deluxe plan pays up to $6,500 per system and covers failures from rust, corrosion and sediment buildup.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Under current rules, each venue pays up to $15 million annually.
    — Christopher Damien, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Definition of pays up
Verb
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
  • In fact, this recipe has the meatballs gently spiced with a dash of cumin and cinnamon, then tossed with a pepperoncini-spiked tomato sauce.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Definition of has
Verb
  • Room décor varies, but many have a Tara Plantation-meets-Montepulciano thing going on, occasionally excessive but mostly pared back—think overstuffed chairs, frilly, floral curtains, exposed wood beam ceilings, and slim wooden furniture.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
  • Writers also participate in meetings, revise clues based on feedback and help ensure game material meets the show’s standards.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of meets
Verb
  • And, when its time to sell, APMEX also buys gold, silver and platinum from consumers.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 9 July 2026
  • The real debate is whether your next round of investment buys another tool to bolt on, or builds the cycle as one connected system.
    — Marvin Abdel-Massih, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of buys
Verb
  • Blyth was nominated in the supporting role as Mildred's spoiled daughter, Veda, who seduces her mother's second husband (Zachary Scott), then riddles him with bullets in a jealous rage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
  • Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of seduces

Browse Nearby Words

pays (for)
pays off
pays up
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Cite this Entry

“Pays off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pays%20off. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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