pass 1 of 3

Definition of passnext
1
as in to hand
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another could you please pass me the phone?

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as in to undergo
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it a presidential candidate who doesn't yet know how it feels to pass the scrutiny of the national press

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as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval the finished product isn't perfect, but it will pass

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pass

2 of 3

noun (1)

pass

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in ticket
a small sheet of plastic, paper, or paperboard showing that the bearer has a claim to something (as admittance) a pass to leave the military base for the weekend

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2
3
as in realization
the state of being actual or complete eventually, all their career goals came to pass

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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 pass
Verb
But these days in a pass-happy NFL, having reliable safeties can make the difference between a win and a loss. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 His condition, meanwhile, continued to deteriorate as the months passed. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
This is the only media market in the world where a coach gets such a free pass across the board from all media. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 Barring injury, only one quarterback will attempt passes when Oklahoma and Auburn come to Athens this fall. Connor Riley, AJC.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pass
Verb
  • After a bit of back-and-forth, one of the crew members grabbed a plastic bag and handed it to a tall, radiantly handsome Canadian actor named Marc.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The scrums and after-whistle activity that defined the first period of Game 2 and much of Game 1 simply were not there in Game 3, with the Lightning seemingly content to play between the whistles in an effort to avoid handing the Canadiens power plays in bunches.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On the mound for Monday’s 2-0 win, pitch count was the only thing that could stop Toma.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • If nerves come up, that’s part of the process, not a reason to stop.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That could leave the nomination in limbo and Powell still in charge.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Evans wound up taking less money to leave Tampa Bay and sign with the 49ers.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Maryland has enacted a nearly identical law.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Braun enacted the holiday via emergency declaration — an unusual step — but one that delivers immediate relief at the pump.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This happened years before, in such a serious way that my friend had to take a three-month medical leave of absence due to what was likely a nervous breakdown.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • What happened in the next few moments told the story of his time in south London.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The collection of new rules underwent several rounds of revisions to meet definitions in state law, address resident concerns and create a plan for enforcement, according to city staff.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Under the terms of the intervention program, Pearce is prohibited from having physical contact with Jackson and must undergo therapy.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The high temperature runs about five to 10 degrees below average for Patriots Day, the meteorologist said.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Good Jobs First said in most cases, states are failing to disclose incentives in violation of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, a private organization that sets financial reporting standards for state and local governments.
    Kevin Hardy, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Football has traditionally been a conduit for protests in Iran, with the national team refusing to sing the anthem on several occasions over recent decades, including during the 2009 Green Movement and after the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police in 2022.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • However, the Portage Township Schools have refused to recognize autism as an educational eligibility category and have denied the boy autism-specific services, sensory accommodations and the proper behavioral interventions, the suit says.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pass. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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