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

On Monday, Pages called off Teoscar Hernández loud and clear, extending his arm as an extra precaution. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

In the wake of the government’s decision, Festival Republic, the firm that organizes Wireless Festival, said the event would be called off. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026

Having been engaged six times, Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to incredible engagement rings, including a knockout 6-carat pink diamond ring from Ben Affleck for their first engagement in 2002, which the two called off. —Briana Draguca, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026

Sometimes the journey to diagnosis is so emotionally excruciating that people call off the effort for a long period of time or even altogether. —Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026