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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
But Antonio distracts him by accusing him in the town square of sending Justina off to El Alcazar and poisoning his son.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
12 Oct. 2025
-
And when our American players have to control the crowd, that distracts them from playing.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After her family cancels holiday plans at the last minute, Nell decides to spend the week of Christmas having fun on her own!—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Miami cancels school, orders state of emergency About 10 minutes to the west, the community of Miami was also recovering from intense flooding.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Pureval said the move won't affect a city program that diverts nonviolent calls to mental health teams.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The 42-mile long canal runs from Boise through Nampa and diverts 240 million gallons a day, according to the district.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Some critics suggested the rate hikes could be smaller if the city abandons or shrinks its ongoing project to develop the Pure Water sewage recycling system.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Zero-trust architecture, a strategy that abandons implicit trust and requires continuous verification, will help redefine security by assuming all users and devices are potential threats.—
Jason Phillips,
jsonline.com,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps an unexpected expense throws off your budget, or you’re no longer inspired by a recent investment.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
-
An algae bloom throws off the balance of the ecosystem that keeps the water clear and fish and other aquatic life healthy.—
Charlotte Germane,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The former Saturday Night Live cast member, who was part of the big SNL50 anniversary special in February, recalls meeting the Last of Us actor as one of her favorite moments from the experience.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Nov. 2025
-
The recalls range from children’s bed rails to mattresses and furniture posing hazards such as entrapment, fire risk, and tip-over dangers.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Calls off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calls%20off. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share