passing

noun

pass·ing | \ ˈpa-siŋ

Definition of passing

(Entry 1 of 3)

: the act of one that passes or causes to pass especially : death sense 1a

in passing

: by the way : incidentally

passing

adjective

Definition of passing (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : going by or past a passing pedestrian

2 : having a brief duration a passing whim

3 obsolete : surpassing

4 : superficial a passing acquaintance a passing resemblance

5a : of, relating to, or used in or for the act or process of passing passing lanes

b : given on satisfactory completion of an examination or course of study a passing grade

passing

adverb

Definition of passing (Entry 3 of 3)

: to a surpassing degree : exceedingly passing strange

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about passing

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Examples of passing in a Sentence

Noun

After her husband's passing, she moved to a smaller house. We all mourned his passing.

Adjective

Someone called out from a passing car. She sells flowers to passing motorists. Let's hope that these shoes are just a passing fad. a passing phase in childhood

Adverb

a passing strange turn of events

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But then, in the fourth, the Thunder rallied by taking advantage of some sloppy passing and went on to win, 84-76. — Scott Cacciola, New York Times, "Croatia Basketball’s Excellent Adventure in Las Vegas," 16 July 2019 But two forehand errors made it 5-5 and Djokovic's excellent approach shot forced a passing error for 6-5. — Ravi Ubha, CNN, "Djokovic saves match points, beats Federer in historic Wimbledon final," 14 July 2019 The inside-out game will be driven by James' passing and Davis' athleticism around the rim. 2. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Ranking 5 best duos in NBA right now, starting with Lakers and Clippers," 13 July 2019 Both have excellent passing skills, when moved to distribute. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "James Harden and Russell Westbrook: Rockets interesting, but doomed," 13 July 2019 Unfortunately, the app was shut down just three years later in 2014 with few mourning its passing. — Jon Porter, The Verge, "Google takes another run at social networking with Shoelace," 12 July 2019 Some of that came from his own defensive linemates taking over, some of it from quick drop-and-throw passing attacks, some from playing typically only on first and second downs. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State football needs Jacub Panasiuk to become force opposite Kenny Willekes," 11 July 2019 Adebo is one of the best corners in the league and has a chance to showcase that against what should be a potent passing attack. — oregonlive.com, "Oregon opponent early scouting report: Stanford," 11 July 2019 After her husband's passing, Lorraine went on to be a major consultant for the film, as well as the following prequels and sequels—making its premise eerily legit. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "A Couple Bought the Home that Inspired "The Conjuring" and They Say Weird Things Keep Happening," 10 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The Eagles finished the season 96th in pass defense, giving up 247.9 passing yards per game. — Chaunte'l Powell, orlandosentinel.com, "2019 College Football Rankings: No. 57 Boston College tries to push through seven-win ceiling," 30 June 2019 But in passing situations, Baker could earn playing time defending tight ends or running backs. — Chris Perkins, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker smaller in stature but long on confidence," 11 May 2018 And as Nannerl’s hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. — David Canfield, EW.com, "First look: Marie Lu turns to historical fiction in brand-new YA fantasy The Kingdom of Back," 28 June 2019 But with each passing year, more information and images come into the open elsewhere. — New York Times, "‘In the Streets, Anguish, Fury and Tears’," 3 June 2019 Each passing year brings to light new varieties of interconnections and relationships among the ever-widening diversity of organisms, cells, genes and biomolecules known to science. — Quanta Magazine, "The Year in Biology," 21 Dec. 2018 But after The Defenders, crossovers shrank into cameos, which became passing references in dialogue. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, "The Marvel-Netflix Universe’s Final Hero," 14 June 2019 This Hall of Famer was a key part of the early passing boom in the NFL in the late 1930s and early '40s for Washington. — Simmi Buttar, chicagotribune.com, "The NFL has had great nicknames in its history. Here are some of the best.," 14 June 2019 The unit gave up at least 300 yards passing during half of the team’s games while also allowing a passing touchdown in 10 of the 12 games. — Matt Murschel, orlandosentinel.com, "2019 College Football Rankings: No. 72 Toledo pushes for MAC title," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'passing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.