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.
The Trustfall singer joined her estranged husband at the memorial in Las Vegas and subsequently called off the divorce in early 2009. Emma Banks, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026 The vehicle trying to get away fatally hit Erwin De La Cruz, who died seconds after police called off the pursuit Tuesday morning. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026 Here’s where things now stand as negotiations progress and Irving prepares to vote on calling off its election Thursday night. Perry Majidi, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026 Bri and Connor, who were one of eight couples to get engaged in The Pods on Love Is Blind Season 10, called off their engagement in Episode 11, two days before their wedding. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 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 7 Mar. 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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