as in cancelation
the act of putting an end to something planned or previously agreed to
the calling off of the senior prom is not going to go over well
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in distracting
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cancelling
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of calling off
Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
In it, Belly (Lola Tung) is headed to Paris after calling off her wedding to Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), unsure what the future holds for her.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
They were engaged for nearly a year before calling off their wedding less than one month before the date.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
But lately, more buyers are calling off their deals to look for better ones.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
In it, Belly (Lola Tung) is headed to Paris after calling off her wedding to Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), unsure what the future holds for her.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
They were engaged for nearly a year before calling off their wedding less than one month before the date.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calling off
Verb
-
The front-dash-spanning 48-inch screen is the headline feature, and, inside the car, almost the eyeline feature, but not a distracting one, despite its width.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
2 Sep. 2025
-
This can be distracting in smooth soups or sauces, but barely noticeable in more rustic dishes.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On August 7, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X his support for the repeal of women’s constitutional right to vote.—
Laurie Gray,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
-
What were the issues CEQA was originally trying to address, and what parts did Newsom effectively repeal in June?—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But the rail authority has argued that, in the long-term, a train system would save money by diverting travelers away from roads and airports.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Twenty-six percent of HR time is consumed by leave management activities, diverting critical resources from strategic initiatives.—
Anant Agarwal,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The league debuted in 2017 and has mostly continued until 2025, except for canceling the season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Headphone Deal With a hefty 71% markdown, the Yamaha YH-E700B are a good budget-conscious option for anyone in need of some wireless noise-cancelling headphones.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The decision also underscores the risks of vocal injury for artists performing demanding live shows night after night, a reality discussed in coverage of other recent touring cancellations.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Neville said he's noticed many boutique and family-run hotels, especially in high-demand spots like Dubrovnik, Prague, and Santorini, booking out earlier than ever, requiring full deposits up front, and enforcing strict cancellation policies.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
REITs aren’t the only healthcare plays throwing off fat dividends right now, though.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Manager Craig Counsell anticipates Taillon throwing off a mound Wednesday at Oracle Park so the Cubs can gauge how the veteran starter feels and then make a decision about his next start.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Moscow has shown no sign of abandoning its maximalist demands in the ongoing peace talks.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Avoid abandoning any fire without supervision.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The author means this in the larger sense of abandonment—of a parent, of a friend, or even of a boss.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Public shelters and private rescues across Southern California are seeing an increase in large dog abandonment and owner requests for assistance.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Calling off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calling%20off. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share