"payoff" In Word Games

1. the payment of a salary, debt, wager, etc.
2. the time at which such payment is made.
3. the consequence, outcome, or final sequence in a series of events, actions, or circumstances: The payoff was when they fired him.
4. Informal
5. the climax of something, especially a story or joke.
6. a settlement or reckoning, as in retribution or reward.
7. Informal
8. a bribe.
9. yielding results, especially rewarding or decisive results: The payoff play was the long pass into the end zone.
10. to pay (someone) everything that is due that person, especially to do so and discharge from one's employ.
11. to pay (a debt) in full.
12. Informal
13. to bribe.
14. to retaliate upon or punish; pay back.
15. to result in success or failure: The risk paid off handsomely.
16. Nautical
17. to fall off to leeward.

"payoff" synonyms:

• outcome,
• result,
• climax,
• conclusion,
• consequence,
• culmination,
• finale,
• settlement,
• clincher,
• judgement,
• judgment,
• payment,
• payout,
• retribution,
• reward,
• upshot,
• adjustment,
• pay,
• reckoning