1
as in distracts
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 cancels
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
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Recent Examples of calls off
The president calls off plans to send the National Guard to San Francisco.
—
Christian Orozco, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Christian Orozco, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calls off
Verb
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But treating reprocessing as a near-term fix for SONGS distracts from the work that experts agree is unavoidable.—
Mike Levin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Also, my grandson is annoyed at someone else demanding my time which also distracts me from keeping a close eye on him.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Trump cancels 'second wave of attacks' against Venezuela 2.—
,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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After her family cancels holiday plans at the last minute, Nell decides to spend the week of Christmas having fun on her own!—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario goes long towards midfield, where Archie Gray diverts the ball to Rodrigo Bentancur.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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These tissues regenerate constantly, so when protein is scarce, your body diverts amino acids away from these aesthetic functions toward more critical ones, like maintaining organ health and immunity.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Time,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Trump administration abandons its appeal of ruling that blocked a campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools and colleges, threatening federal funding to institutions.—
Collin Binkley,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
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Though Miguel is shot in the leg during the surprise attack, Tommy and his men come out on top, and Jenard's team abandons him to work for Chicago's new kingpin.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The spin is being closely watched as a statement on the future of cable, which throws off significant cash but has been in rapid decline as viewers migrate to streaming.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
5 Jan. 2026
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But China has not made such statements, and there’s still a risk that the two strongmen can’t see eye to eye or a rogue comment throws off the delicate detente.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But then Belly scraps her Parisian plans and pledges her young life to Jeremiah, a rising super senior at Finch majoring in getting high and going to Cabo (which, quite honestly, is more age-appropriate than a wedding).—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The budget law, which funds several of the president's priorities, including tax cuts to wealthy Americans and border security, revokes refugees' access to Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities, starting in October 2026.—
Renuka Rayasam,
ABC News,
30 Oct. 2025
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Disbarment, which revokes a lawyer's license to practice law, is the most severe professional sanction for attorneys.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In the event that an operator aborts an interception, the drone will fly back to base ready to be used again — a potential major cost-saver.—
Alex Holmes,
NBC news,
12 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Calls off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calls%20off. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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