1
as in distracted
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 canceled
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 called off
The cancellation sparked emotional scenes throughout Vienna as thousands of fans gathered in public spaces to sing Swift's songs together after the concerts were called off.
—
Bryan West, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Now, her engagement to the most influential eligible Commander in Gilead has been called off, marring her reputation.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026
There were five holds in all before SpaceX called off the launch attempt.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 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
After all, London’s massive Wireless Festival, where Ye was scheduled to headline over three nights in July, called off its 2026 edition entirely once the artist’s visa was revoked.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
In one instance, an execution was called off after correctional officers had already strapped Glossip to a gurney and begun preparing to give him a lethal injection.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Faced with innocent bystanders being hurt — even killed — during the chases, some agencies have at times called off pursuits in the interest of safety.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Bryan West, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Now, her engagement to the most influential eligible Commander in Gilead has been called off, marring her reputation.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026
There were five holds in all before SpaceX called off the launch attempt.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 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
After all, London’s massive Wireless Festival, where Ye was scheduled to headline over three nights in July, called off its 2026 edition entirely once the artist’s visa was revoked.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
In one instance, an execution was called off after correctional officers had already strapped Glossip to a gurney and begun preparing to give him a lethal injection.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Faced with innocent bystanders being hurt — even killed — during the chases, some agencies have at times called off pursuits in the interest of safety.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for called off
Verb
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Fennell said she is frequently distracted by female characters adhering to modern grooming standards — like clean-shaven armpits — in period pieces like Jane Austen adaptations.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 May 2026
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This moon phase puts pressure on your love life, creativity or personal passions, especially if you've been emotionally distracted by money worries or self-worth issues.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Some trains have been cancelled following the crash, with replacement buses being deployed, reported VRT NWS.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
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Blue Bloods was canceled in 2023 after 14 seasons, but fans of the popular CBS crime procedural didn't have to wait long to see some of their favorite characters back onscreen.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 May 2026
Verb
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The Netflix series − inspired by the 1981 film of the same name, starring Alan Alda, Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno − diverted from the movie's plotline by killing Nick (Carell) in a car crash in Season 1.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
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Northbound and westbound drivers will be diverted to State Route 166/Langford Parkway.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Verb
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According to Idaho's tourism website, the population peaked in 1896, reaching a total of 600 residents, but by 1910, the town was fully abandoned.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
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Just as the novel sought to reveal how Britain abandoned veterans, this dreamy and compelling interpretation gestures at the collateral damage of Nigeria’s military.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Huntington Beach has scrapped a brand management and marketing contract plan that had been clouded by community concerns over transparency and cronyism.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
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That drew backlash from lawmakers and the department scrapped the investigation.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 May 2026
Verb
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His bail in that case was revoked and he was ordered held on $100,000 in the shooting.—
Louisa Moller,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
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Vibe Smoke Shop must appear for a virtual hearing on June 26 to show evidence why the store’s license should not be suspended or revoked, according to city records.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
26 May 2026
Verb
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This work kept the first moon landing from being aborted, even though the onboard computer was overloaded.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
12 May 2026
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After the victim was struck, pilots aborted the plane's takeoff and smoke began filling the cabin.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Shack’s efforts were later overturned when singer and Florida citrus spokeswoman Anita Bryant petitioned to put the ordinance on the ballot, stoking anti-gay sentiment that led it to be repealed in June of 1977.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
24 May 2026
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The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax rules to take advantage of the step-up in basis which would have otherwise been lost.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Called off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/called%20off. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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