Find Synonyms

furlough Synonyms

Another word for furlough

Choosing another word for furlough depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A temporary, often unpaid leave of absence from employment imposed on workers due to economic conditions, budget cuts, or an operational shutdown.

Usage Example

"Hundreds of federal employees were placed on leave of absence during the budget impasse."

Strong
leave of absence
layoff
suspension

• verb (Context 2)

To place an employee on a temporary, typically unpaid leave of absence due to economic or operational circumstances.

Usage Example

"The airline had to lay off thousands of staff members when international travel declined."

Strong
lay off
suspend
Weak
bench

• noun (Context 3)

An authorized period of leave granted to a member of the armed services, a missionary, or a prison inmate.

Usage Example

"The overseas volunteer returned home on a two-month leave to visit her family."

Strongest
leave
Strong
sabbatical
liberty
Weak
vacation

• verb (Context 4)

To grant an authorized period of leave of absence to a member of the armed forces or a prisoner.

Usage Example

"Commanders decided to excuse the troops for two weeks over the holidays."

Strong
excuse
Weak
release

Opposites of furlough

The opposite of furlough shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

recall
duty
reinstate
hire
employ
employment
deployment
deploy
See all opposites of furlough

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Furlough. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/furlough
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