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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pay off
Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
After a second chance at adoption, Thor's patience and gentle heart have finally paid off.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Ew Staff, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Start your trip-planning with route options that link the state’s best camping options along the way—worthy destinations in their own right for campers who value fall-foliage panorama payoffs, the East’s most brilliant night-sky views, secluded swimming holes, and tranquil riverside camps.
—Outside Online, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay off
Verb
This strategy might pay off because Samsung has always been unclear about its Galaxy AI pricing plans.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
After a second chance at adoption, Thor's patience and gentle heart have finally paid off.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Noun
The show is a slow burn, but the payoff in the final episodes is worth the wait.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Start your trip-planning with route options that link the state’s best camping options along the way—worthy destinations in their own right for campers who value fall-foliage panorama payoffs, the East’s most brilliant night-sky views, secluded swimming holes, and tranquil riverside camps.
—Outside Online, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pay off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pay off
Verb
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That hasn’t stopped companies from throwing millions of dollars in bonuses and pay packages at star researchers, according to seven sources familiar with the matter.—
Anna Tong,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Sarah Anderson has a strong point of view on U.S. CEO pay.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
Verb
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On the same weekend that Budin and Rosenthal tried to bribe Mickey Bruce, a player from Florida reported a similar bribery attempt involving a game between the Gators and Florida State.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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For federal prosecutors in L.A., hanging over the case was the memory of a recent humiliation: the collapse of the Pentagon Papers trial, as a result of the Nixon administration’s attempt to bribe the presiding judge with a job.—
Christopher Goffard,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
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The problem is that many businesses want to see a profit on the first transaction.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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The news came even as the company has cut its sales and profit forecasts.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Competing for the pivotal center position are Carter Miller and Cameron Kinnie, both vying to distinguish themselves and seize this critical spot in the lineup.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
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Chiuri, who joined Dior in 2016 after her tenure at Valentino, has played a pivotal role in reshaping the French fashion house’s identity and product direction.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 May 2025
Verb
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With a black brace on his left arm, Steele met with reporters in the home clubhouse before Tuesday’s 4-3 11-inning win over the Colorado Rockies, publicly addressing his future for the first time since the operation.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Carney, the new prime minister and a former head of the Bank of England, and Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, Mary Simon, the king’s representative in Canada, met with Charles on Monday.—
Rob Gillies,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Verb
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And Treat Powdery Mildew On Plants How To Use Neem Oil Most gardeners buy neem oil in a ready-to-use spray, but it can be purchased as a concentrate.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
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Having traveled to 75 countries, bought real estate in 24, established businesses in 7, and educated her children in 4, Kathleen is the go-to expert on expat life.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Rookies Willie MacIver and Logan Davidson drove in three of the A’s five runs, with Davidson scoring the tying run during a decisive eighth inning rally before MacIver’s RBI-single scored the go-ahead run.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
26 May 2025
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This is not a rivalry that fans will be talking about 10 years from now, but after Priest’s decisive and somewhat surprising victory at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, both Priest and McIntyre are still strongly positioned as cornerstones of the main event picture.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Travis weeks earlier cited as the deciding and unprecedented factor.—
Chris Vannini,
The Athletic,
9 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pay off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pay%20off. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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