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
Whether or not that bullishness pays off against Argentina is more or less academic.
—
Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Patience pays off in this situation.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Cianfrance also spent years talking with the real Jeff Manchester from prison in the 15-minute intervals allowed in an effort to do justice to the story, and that level of research pays off.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025
The band’s connection to Midwest emo from years past pays off in the album’s sincerity, especially in the moments that allow for stillness.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2025
That’s where expert guidance really pays off.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
While Gen Z hopes to make it to the top by job-hopping across companies, Maeztu has proved staying loyal pays off in the long-run.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Patience pays off in this situation.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Cianfrance also spent years talking with the real Jeff Manchester from prison in the 15-minute intervals allowed in an effort to do justice to the story, and that level of research pays off.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025
The band’s connection to Midwest emo from years past pays off in the album’s sincerity, especially in the moments that allow for stillness.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2025
That’s where expert guidance really pays off.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
While Gen Z hopes to make it to the top by job-hopping across companies, Maeztu has proved staying loyal pays off in the long-run.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pays off
Verb
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Whelan said that a costuming Easter egg in the play pays tribute to original Love Boat captain Gavin MacLeod.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Sep. 2025
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For professionals seeking meaningful work that pays well and makes a difference, the opportunities in 2025 are both diverse and enduring.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Although the crushed velvet exteriors are the most eye-catching details of the shoes, there’s more to them than what meets the eye.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Sep. 2025
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Pokémon meets Animal Crossing Although a new mainline entry in the Pokémon series is due out this year, Nintendo isn’t letting that stop them from pushing out more games next year timed to the series’ 30th anniversary in Japan.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The aforementioned head also has lights, with batteries included, and a tiny switch behind the neck.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The newspaper reported at the time that Zinn has a criminal record dating back to 1989 that includes dozens of convictions for petty crimes such as criminal trespass, theft of services, interfering with a police officer and disturbing the peace.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Since leases are a specific transaction where the dealer buys the vehicle, marketing incentives from the OEM may be necessary to address the marketability of slower moving vehicles.—
Hughey Newsome,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Some states limit gun purchases If someone buys two or more handguns at the same time or within five consecutive business days, the ATF requires that firearms licensees report to them with a multiple sales record.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Everything about the scene seduces the viewer into what dining while traveling in the most luxurious fashion could be, and once was.—
Kristin L. Wolfe,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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In his youth, the blue-eyed Stamp was widely considered one of the most handsome men onscreen, and Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini used that to peculiar effect in Teorema (1968), casting the actor as a nameless and wordless visitor who seduces an entire household.—
Rhett Bartlett,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pays off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pays%20off. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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