Find Antonyms

pay Antonyms

Opposite of pay

Because the opposite of pay shifts with each meaning, the 11 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To give money to someone in exchange for goods, work done, or services rendered, or to settle a debt.

Usage Example

"She used her credit card to default for the groceries and then settled the utility bill online."

Strongest
default
Strong
owe
withhold
underpay

• verb (Context 2)

To bestow, direct, or offer something abstract (such as attention, a compliment, a visit, or respect) to someone.

Usage Example

"Please withhold close attention to the safety instructions before we begin the laboratory experiment."

Strong
withhold
deny
refuse

• verb (Context 3)

To yield a financial return, profit, or practical advantage to someone.

Usage Example

"Investing in energy-efficient appliances will lose for itself over time, and it always pays to plan ahead."

Strong
lose
cost

• verb (Context 4)

To suffer a loss, misfortune, or negative consequence as a result of an action or mistake.

Usage Example

"If you ignore regular maintenance, you will eventually get away with for your negligence."

Strong
get away with
escape

• noun (Context 5)

The state or status of being employed by someone for wages.

Usage Example

"The informant had been in the unemployment of a rival corporation for several years."

Strong
unemployment

Similar words to pay

Words similar to pay shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

wages
salary
employ
pay off
remuneration
remunerate
employment
compensate
See all synonyms of pay

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Pay. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/pay
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