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
Local authorities in the Crimean Peninsula – a popular summer vacation destination for Russians – have cancelled children’s camps in recent days and called off all outdoor sport activities until further notice.
—
Daria Tarasova-Markina,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
However, things took a turn, when the pair called off their engagement in November 2020.
—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
After police determined the suspect was no longer in the area, CMPD called off the search.
—
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2026
Those plans have since been called off, but the discourse still loomed large over the shoot.
—
Alex Jhamb Burns,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
His remarks came as Vice President JD Vance met with Iranian officials for the first round of negotiations in Switzerland, after talks had earlier been called off.
—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
The new survey was conducted June 11-17, just after Trump called off threats to escalate the war with Iran.
—
Linley Sanders,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Within the hour, all firefighters were called off the roof and out of the building because of the danger posed by the intense flames and the ammonia leak.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
The two sides had previously agreed to play a home-and-home in 2027 and 2028, but that was called off in May.
—
Connor Riley,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
Daria Tarasova-Markina,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
However, things took a turn, when the pair called off their engagement in November 2020.
—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
After police determined the suspect was no longer in the area, CMPD called off the search.
—
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2026
Those plans have since been called off, but the discourse still loomed large over the shoot.
—
Alex Jhamb Burns,
Vogue,
23 June 2026
His remarks came as Vice President JD Vance met with Iranian officials for the first round of negotiations in Switzerland, after talks had earlier been called off.
—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
The new survey was conducted June 11-17, just after Trump called off threats to escalate the war with Iran.
—
Linley Sanders,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Within the hour, all firefighters were called off the roof and out of the building because of the danger posed by the intense flames and the ammonia leak.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
The two sides had previously agreed to play a home-and-home in 2027 and 2028, but that was called off in May.
—
Connor Riley,
AJC.com,
17 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for called off
Verb
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Getting distracted by a late-stage bombshell would feel disingenuous at this point.
-
My will is scattered, directed toward many contradictory things, and easily distracted.
Verb
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The Mason Motocross races on Sunday were canceled after the crash, WOWK reported.
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He was eventually brought by an airport assistant to the gate for the flight to Sarasota, but that service was delayed and eventually canceled due to weather.
Verb
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That estimate does not include costs associated with year-round state workers whose regular duties were diverted to support the session, including legislative staff and law enforcement officers.
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But so has Dunaway and far too much of Supergirl’s attention is diverted to rescuing her young man from Dunaway’s evil clutches.
Verb
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The values imparted to me throughout my public school education — equal opportunity, impartial justice, respect for expertise, basic honesty — have been abandoned by a new breed of politician that has turned governance itself into a blood sport.
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After the building was abandoned, Carlson said saw an opportunity to revamp the space.
Verb
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On the sixth day of France’s heat wave, when temperatures reached record highs, shoppers scrapped over box fans, and Americans and Europeans beefed on X, a neighbor in our apartment building near Paris finally broke down and texted me.
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Alas, Vanilla Ice played for no one Friday after weather scrapped his Freedom 250 concert just two hours before his performance.
Verb
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When employees change roles or leave, access is revoked promptly and consistently.
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Last year, the festival revoked the Creative Data Lions Grand Prix winner, Efficient Way to Pay, after it was revealed that the campaign used AI to manipulate the ad’s case study video.
Verb
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An American Airlines flight headed to Bermuda aborted its takeoff in Miami Saturday evening after a business jet entered the same runway, getting as close as a third of a mile apart at one point.
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Verstappen's crash at the final pair of corners brought out yellow flags, which Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli erroneously thought were double-waved yellow flags and aborted his lap.
Verb
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Carrera can now only afford to take only one or two classes a semester after his in-state tuition was repealed.
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The extension is expected to generate approximately $925,000 annually and will continue unless repealed by voters.
Cite this Entry
“Called off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/called%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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