OUTLAY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

outlay 1 of 2

noun

ˈau̇t-ˌlā

Definition of outlay

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

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outlay

2 of 2

verb

ˈau̇t-ˌlā

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

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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

Noun

Both sit comfortably below the top-tier F1 Max ($1,439), giving buyers strong dual-motor capability at a lower total outlay. — New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2026 On average, a Costco shopper makes 31 trips annually, spending $99 per visit for a total annual outlay of $3,043 – figures that comfortably eclipse competitors like Sam’s Club and BJ’s, Numerator said. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026

Verb

Microsoft plans to outlay $4 billion in the next five years worldwide. — Paresh Dave, Wired News, 24 Dec. 2025 Vasquez then asked if the RDA had outlaid any money for LaPorte County for shoreline development. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outlay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outlay

Noun

Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and early withdrawals may face penalties unless they’re used for qualifying expenses such as education or a first home, so families should review the tax rules before deciding how to use the money.

— Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
The Central Valley city had one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, along with a high rent burden, transportation costs and childcare expenses, according to Single Mother Grants.

— Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of expense

Verb

And 84% of fans who track players, pundits or creators spent on sport last year, compared with 43% of those who track none.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Davis and Young combined for 31 points in 17 minutes largely, if not entirely, spent on the floor together.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of spend

Noun

Tiisetso’s view For half a century, the cost of African borrowing has been set largely in New York by three firms that rate the 55 countries from a distance.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
That operational slowdown would subsequently reduce gasoline output and drive total domestic energy costs higher.

— , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of cost

Verb

The Wall Street Journal reports that oil producers are paying $30 million to $40 million for round-trip shots in and out of the Strait of Hormuz.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
In most cases, bed and board have to be paid for, but there are a series of daily spending caps on different elements, such as food and hotel costs.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of pay

Noun

Ellison has taken an opposing view from his predecessors who confronted crumbling industry economics by cutting expenditures to boost their corporate bottom lines.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Additional concerns include technological obsolescence, refinancing risk, construction delays, and the need for continuing capital expenditure.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of expenditure

Browse Nearby Words

outlaws

outlay

outlaying

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Outlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outlay. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of outlay

noun

verb

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