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Definitions

payroll

[pey-rohl] / ˈpeɪˌroʊl /
NOUN
expense
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amount budget charge consumption debt expenditure insurance investment liability loan loss mortgage obligation outlay price price tag rate risk spending sum tariff value
STRONG
assessment bite debit decrement deprivation disbursement duty forfeit forfeiture outdo output overhead responsibility sacrifice surcharge toll upkeep worth
WEAK
bottom line out of pocket
Antonyms
STRONGEST
asset
STRONG
irresponsibility
NOUN
salary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
earnings fee income pay stipend wage
STRONG
bacon bread emolument hire recompense remuneration scale take wages
WEAK
take-home
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bills debt

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.

Now, May’s mid-major know-how is boosted by a power-conference payroll: Wolverines general manager Kyle Church puts the team’s total outlay for its roster at roughly $10 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

But at least the payroll is being pared.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Collective Impact also allegedly paid more than $45,000 to or on behalf of her son going towards payroll, back rent payments and graduate school tuition, according to Jenkins.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Job growth in the private sector rose at a solid pace in March for the second straight month, according to payroll company ADP.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Aunt Kitty’s eyes got squinty, and I knew she was pondering the s I had added to detective, as if I were now on Mr. Pinkerton’s payroll right beside her.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan