CALL OFF Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

call off

verb

Definition of call off

as in to distract

to draw the attention or mind to something else she was about to tell me the big news when her attention was called off by the arrival of another guest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cancel

to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to) called off the party after half of those invited couldn't make it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of call off That feat was called off for Flight 12 due to a premature shutdown of one of the Raptor engines. — Lee Billings & Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 16 July 2026 After previously calling off an engagement, BelléJolie Force is a singer who is searching for her Prince Charming. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 The search was called off the morning of July 6, after a park ranger discovered a body near the island, later confirmed to be Wells through dental records. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 10 July 2026 After nearly an hour, then-IDOC Director Josh Tewalt called off the execution. — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for call off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for call off

Verb

Knight brought both belts into the ring, distracting the referee by throwing the world title in the ring.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
In the context of tens of thousands of DPS students who aren’t making gains quickly enough to ever meet proficiency levels, such fanfare is essentially distracting braggadocio.

— Elaine Gantz Berman, Denver Post, 27 July 2026

Definition of distract

Verb

Owner Aliana Gurris said the state canceled the business' contract to serve Medicaid clients with no explanation.

— Larry Seward, CBS News, 31 July 2026
On June 5, 2025, roughly six months before the early signing period, Henderson canceled his official visit to Florida State.

— Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of cancel

Verb

The strong winds forced a small plane carrying two Peruvian tourists and another aircraft carrying six foreign visitors to divert to the Marcona Airport, according to local media.

— Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
All northbound traffic on the Dan Ryan was being diverted off the expressway at 67th Street in both the local and express lanes for several hours after the crash.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of divert

Verb

Burke’s phone was the last device connected to the Tesla before it was abandoned, the detective said, and surveillance footage showed him near the vehicle.

— Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of abandon

Verb

Now, even after scrapping his divisive investment project, his support remains unclear at best.

— Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
Infantino was forced to scrap the plan early Saturday after his senior adviser who sat on a White House panel resigned and Asia’s soccer body joined Europe and North America in opposing it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of scrap

Verb

As of this week, the committee’s previous recommendation to revoke Eastside’s request for proposal to build the redevelopment had not garnered final approval by, or appeared on a meeting agenda of, the Unified Government Board of Commissioners.

— Sofi Zeman July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
McDonald, though, said national leaders have warned that barring transgender members would open the DAR up to having its tax-exempt status revoked, which McDonald disputes.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026