Synonyms of call off

call off

verb

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

• distract
• divert
• throw off
• abstract
• detract
• amuse
• entertain
• stray
• wander
• beguile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• focus
• concentrate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cancel
• abandon
• scrap
• revoke
• abort
• repeal
• recall
• cry off
• scrub
• rescind
• call
• withdraw
• drop
• write off
• take back
• suspend
• reverse
• roll back
• terminate
• end
• halt
• invalidate
• hold back
• break off
• interrupt
• stop
• nullify
• retract
• void
• abrogate
• annul
• discontinue
• recant
• relinquish
• give up
• countermand
• surrender

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• keep
• engage
• begin
• start
• initiate
• take up
• promise
• pledge
• undertake
• commence
• take on

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of call off

Starship wasn't able to get off the ground on Thursday, however; several technical issues cropped up late in the countdown, and SpaceX had to call off the attempt. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 May 2026

Discord also appears to be growing among House Republicans, who called off a vote last night on a resolution limiting the president's war powers. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 May 2026

The graduation was called off due to the fight, according to WTVG. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

In January, Giambattista Valli and Artémis announced that the brand would call off its couture show. —Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 20 May 2026