as in expense
a payment made in the course of achieving a result
the outlays for the couple's upcoming wedding seem to be multiplying at an incredible rate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to spend
to hand over or use up in payment
the nation had outlaid nearly 20 billion dollars on social programs at that point
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outlay
Editorial, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
In short, economizing on non-defense outlays simply has to bring mandatory spending under review.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Linear ratings are in decline and ad demand has been muted for several quarters owing to economic unrest and changes in how Madison Avenue outlays its dollars for media.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for outlay
Noun
In short, economizing on non-defense outlays simply has to bring mandatory spending under review.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
In short, economizing on non-defense outlays simply has to bring mandatory spending under review.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Vasquez then asked if the RDA had outlaid any money for LaPorte County for shoreline development.
—Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Linear ratings are in decline and ad demand has been muted for several quarters owing to economic unrest and changes in how Madison Avenue outlays its dollars for media.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for outlay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlay
Noun
-
Fuel is one of the largest expenses for airlines.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The growth in units outpaced Amazon’s fulfillment expenses, which grew 9 percent year over year, as well as outbound shipping costs, which were up 12 percent.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Roony has spent the season in Yamal’s shadow, making just eight starts.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
And its matches total state dollars spent at the time on Medicaid, Goodman noted.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There are no performance incentive payments or cost-of-living increase for senior leadership in the current fiscal year, according to a budget overview, and no incentive payments for anyone in the coming fiscal year starting July 1.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Although Rolder’s short arm length could give him some trouble with block-shedding, several workable pieces on his profile likely speak to what Buffalo would go for in its new defense at a reduced cost.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Last June, Hill was ordered to pay Bauer more than $300,000 for violating settlement terms.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Rams boss Les Snead and Chiefs leadership tandem Andy Reid and Brett Veach don’t seem hindered by obstacles either, despite later draft slots and paying future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In at least one of those cases, the records show Blue Hills’ auditors privately questioned the size and scope of those expenditures.—
Andrew Brown,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The enormous expenditure for this war with Iran will cost our country dearly for decades.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Outlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlay. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
