payoff

[ˈpeɪɒf]

payoff Definition

• 1. a final payment that settles a debt or financial obligation
• 2. the climax of a series of events, usually one that is particularly dramatic or exciting

Using payoff: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "payoff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I made the final payoff on my car loan today.

• Example

  The payoff for winning the championship is a trophy and a cash prize.

• Example

  The payoff to the movie was unexpected and left the audience in awe.

payoff Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for payoff

• settlement
• clearing
• liquidation
• conclusion
• culmination

Antonyms for payoff

• beginning
• commencement

Idioms Using payoff

• pay off

  to yield positive results or rewards, especially after a period of hard work or investment

  Example

  All of her studying paid off when she got accepted into her dream school.

• pay someone off

  to bribe someone in order to gain an advantage or avoid punishment

  Example

  The corrupt politician was caught trying to pay off the judge in his case.

• pay the price

  to suffer the negative consequences of one's actions or decisions

  Example

  He knew he would have to pay the price for skipping class when he failed the exam.

Phrases with payoff

• payoff matrix

  a table used to represent all possible outcomes of a game or decision, along with their associated payoffs

  Example

  The payoff matrix showed that cooperation between the two companies would be the most beneficial outcome.

• emotional payoff

  the satisfaction or reward gained from an emotional experience, often used in reference to movies or books

  Example

  The emotional payoff at the end of the novel left me feeling fulfilled and satisfied.

• big payoff

  a significant or substantial reward or benefit

  Example

  The big payoff for all of his hard work was a promotion and a raise.

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Summary: payoff in Brief

The term 'payoff' [ˈpeɪɒf] can refer to a final payment that settles a debt or financial obligation, as in 'I made the final payoff on my car loan today.' It can also denote the climax of a series of events, usually one that is particularly dramatic or exciting, as in 'The payoff to the movie was unexpected and left the audience in awe.' 'Payoff' extends into phrases like 'pay off,' meaning to yield positive results or rewards, and idioms like 'pay someone off,' denoting bribery.