pull off

verb

pulled off; pulling off; pulls off
Synonyms of pull offnext

transitive verb

: to carry out despite difficulties : accomplish successfully against odds
the team pulled off an upset

Examples of pull off in a Sentence

the rebel forces pulled off a surprisingly successful offensive against the better equipped government troops
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 Wildcats are still capable of pulling off an upset if TCU gets off to a sluggish start. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Dec. 2025 This recipe was refreshingly manageable—a relief after my last meal kit, which involved what felt like a thousand steps and was impossible to pull off with a toddler underfoot. Erin Bunch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025 McAdams’ Amy is too judgmental, Everett never backs up his girlfriend, Ben is nuts for putting the moves on his brother’s girlfriend and Meredith pulls off a very mean prank on Amy involving Brad Stevenson (played by Paul Schneider). Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 17 Dec. 2025 Purdy even pulled off a 26-yard scramble, the longest rushing gain of his career. Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pull off

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pull off was in 1860

Cite this Entry

“Pull off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pull%20off. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pull off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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