Definitions

payoff

[pey-awf, -of] / ˈpeɪˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

NOUN

conclusion, climax

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consequence outcome payment reward settlement

STRONG

adjustment clincher culmination finale judgment pay result retribution upshot

WEAK

day of reckoning final reckoning moment of truth punch line

Antonyms

STRONGEST

beginning cause origin source

STRONG

opening start

WEAK

introduction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The payoff investors get from early access to SpaceX through the ETFs will likely vary.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The payoff is access to a younger audience.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

He offers her a generous payoff to stay quiet, and she tells him, in so many words, to stick it.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

How the ingredients interact can affect the final nutritional payoff.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

Her expression was carefully bland, and I understood now that the piano was a payoff.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu