1
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
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of call off
The survey was conducted June 11–17, shortly after Trump called off threats to escalate tensions with Iran.
—
Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026
But then abruptly on Thursday evening the trip was called off — at least for the time being.
—Jamey Keaten, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
At the time, Davis was viewed by many as being central to that plan, which was ultimately called off in March 2025.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026
Dolan called off a watch party outside of Madison Square Garden, blaming the tight security implemented by the mayor’s administration.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for call off
Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2026
But then abruptly on Thursday evening the trip was called off — at least for the time being.
—Jamey Keaten, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
At the time, Davis was viewed by many as being central to that plan, which was ultimately called off in March 2025.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026
Dolan called off a watch party outside of Madison Square Garden, blaming the tight security implemented by the mayor’s administration.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for call off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call off
Verb
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During the conversation, the individuals attempted to distract the woman by putting jewelry on her.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
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These plants either repel slugs and snails or distract the pests from your garden crops.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Concerns about his takeover of traditionally nonpolitical celebrations have led some states to decline participating in Washington events and some entertainers to cancel plans to perform at them.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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Several pre-tournament warmup games were canceled.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Prosecutors described the case as the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the country, saying Bock diverted tens of millions in federal money intended to feed hungry children.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
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The plane had taken off from Mexico's San Jose del Cabo on Tuesday evening and was bound for Austin before diverting to Laredo, according to tracking data.—
Jessica Gorman,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Verb
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One of Wood’s earliest conversations with Reid centered on abandoning the heeled footwear that helped define earlier versions of the character.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
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Jessie is thrilled, but her enthusiasm is crushingly fleeting, as Emily abandons Jessie with other items in a donation box on the side of the road.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Lilypad’s creativity-zapping existence throws off Pixar’s ability to brainstorm a dynamic story.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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Indeed, Green throws off a kind of 1970s Wonder Woman vibe at times, especially given how she is costumed by Theresa Ham, and that adds to the fun.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Commissioners are being asked to scrap that layer of protection.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2026
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Washington and Tehran are working to get technical talks back on track after a postponement that saw US Vice President JD Vance scrap his trip to Switzerland for negotiations.—
Caitlin Danaher,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Valentin, whose license was already revoked in New York at the time, fled the scene to New Jersey.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
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Iran's training base was relocated from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, and the team's ticket allocation was revoked days before the tournament began.—
Olivia Shalhoup,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Verb
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According to Israeli and American reports, over the past week, the president forced Israel to abort imminent retaliatory strikes on Iran and demanded that the country restrict its response to Hezbollah fire from Lebanon that has pummeled the Israeli north.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
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Saturday’s sprint race turned messy when Hulkenberg’s car suffered a mechanical failure on the formation lap, forcing him to abort the session.—
Jerry Perez,
The Drive,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call%20off. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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