1
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
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 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
-
Blanchfield’s management team reported that she will be paid her full show and win money for UFC Vegas 107.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
While Keisha’s mom struggles to pay her child’s private school tuition, Justin’s mom casually wears a Vivienne Westwood suit or a Zimmermann ensemble.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
The problem is that many businesses want to see a profit on the first transaction.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
-
The news came even as the company has cut its sales and profit forecasts.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Netanyahu, having played a pivotal role in supporting Trump's 2018 decision to scrap the nuclear deal secured by former President Barack Obama three years earlier, is once again fueling skepticism toward a new agreement with Tehran.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Brailsford and Silverman first met during Pride back in 2015 after they were introduced by mutual friends.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
Then in 2020, Anheuser-Busch bought a 40% stake in energy drink Ghost, which used the beer conglomerate’s distribution network.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
-
The thinking was simple: If many more power-hungry data centers needed to be built, stocks of industrial companies that sell products used within those facilities – such as Eaton and Vertiv – should be bought.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share