What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
payoff
Example
All the hard work paid off when I got accepted into my dream school. [payoff: noun]
Example
I'm hoping for a big payoff on my stock investment. [payoff: noun]
Example
The movie had a satisfying payoff that tied up all the loose ends. [payoff: noun]
culmination
Example
The concert was the culmination of months of rehearsals and preparations. [culmination: noun]
Example
The championship game was the culmination of a season's worth of hard work. [culmination: noun]
Example
The fireworks display was the culmination of the city's Fourth of July celebration. [culmination: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Payoff is more commonly used than culmination in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. Culmination is more formal and often used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between payoff and culmination?
Culmination is more formal than payoff, and is often used in academic or professional contexts. Payoff is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
