1
b
2
: the act or occasion of receiving money or material gain especially as compensation or as a bribe
3
: the climax of an incident or enterprise
specifically
: the denouement of a narrative
4
: a decisive fact or factor resolving a situation or bringing about a definitive conclusion
paid off; paying off; pays off
1
a
: to pay (a debt or a creditor) in full
b
: to give all due wages to
especially
: to pay in full and discharge (an employee)
c
: bribe
2
: to inflict retribution on
3
: to allow (a thread or rope) to run off a spool or drum
: to yield returns
Synonyms
Examples of payoff in a Sentence
Noun
You'll have to work hard but there'll be a big payoff in the end.
We expected more of a payoff for all our hard work.
We made a lot of sacrifices with little payoff.
Several city officials have been accused of receiving payoffs from the company.
He lost his factory job but received a payoff and a pension.
Verb
I finally paid off the loan.
she paid off the security guard so that she could steal whatever she liked
Recent Examples on the Web
Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
But all these challenges are surmountable—and the potential payoff, for both plant operators and OEMs, is extraordinary.
—Chris Turlica, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
With ample savings, happy retirees tend not to retire until the mortgage is paid off or the end is at least within sight.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for payoff 
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Noun
Ten thousand years is a bit too long a wait for a payoff.
—Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
But all these challenges are surmountable—and the potential payoff, for both plant operators and OEMs, is extraordinary.
—Chris Turlica, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
In February 2016, the woman paid off the $125,000 loan on Amy's home, receiving a note and deed of trust drawn by her attorney, Tuck said.
—Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
With ample savings, happy retirees tend not to retire until the mortgage is paid off or the end is at least within sight.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for payoff
Dictionary Entries Near payoff
Cite this Entry
“Payoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/payoff. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
pay off
2 of 2 transitive verb1
: to pay (a debt or credit) in full
the loan was paid off
2
: bribe
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