call off

verb

called off; calling off; calls off
Synonyms of call offnext

transitive verb

1
: to draw away : divert
2
: cancel

Examples of call off in a Sentence

she was about to tell me the big news when her attention was called off by the arrival of another guest called off the party after half of those invited couldn't make it
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Faced with innocent bystanders being hurt — even killed — during the chases, some agencies have at times called off pursuits in the interest of safety. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 The latest example comes with Florida State, as Georgia and the Seminoles have mutually called off their home-and-home series, Florida State announced Thursday. Connor Riley, AJC.com, 7 May 2026 Many other districts also called off classes, including Douglas County and Boulder Valley. Christa Swanson, CBS News, 6 May 2026 Also canceling Monday was Dolly Parton, who announced that her Las Vegas residency for later this year was being called off entirely after being postponed earlier. Chris Willman, Variety, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for call off

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call off was in 1606

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20off. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

call off

verb
1
: to draw away : divert
call off a dog
2
: cancel sense 2a
call off a meeting

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