as in to wish
to offer (something fake, useless, or inferior) as genuine, useful, or valuable
the con man tried to pass off a piece of blue glass as a sapphire
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pass off
One tactic smugglers use is passing off African greys as species that can still be legally exported, such as green and red-fronted parrots.
—
Rene Ebersole, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025
The cast of Moonlight then took the stage where Horowitz passed off the award to director Barry Jenkins who proceeded to give a speech of his own.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
New York City’s political power is officially passing off to the millennial generation.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
On the final chance in the first half, the Dolphins couldn’t even get the Hail Mary pass off, with Tagovailoa taking a sack.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pass off
Rene Ebersole, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025
The cast of Moonlight then took the stage where Horowitz passed off the award to director Barry Jenkins who proceeded to give a speech of his own.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
New York City’s political power is officially passing off to the millennial generation.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
On the final chance in the first half, the Dolphins couldn’t even get the Hail Mary pass off, with Tagovailoa taking a sack.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pass off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pass off
Verb
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Callers wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700 or contact Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP or online here.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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If a person exclusively spent every weekday sitting in an office cubicle before heading to the gym, that person might wish for the chance to take a walk outside once in a while — horses feel the same way, Cobb said.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Coon’s Agnes is a broken woman desperately looking for companionship following the devastating loss of her son and the physical and emotional violence inflicted on her by her ex-husband.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
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The scheme affected more than 10,000 people across the country and inflicted more than $25 million in victim losses, the statement said.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Leaders from countries that imposed sanctions often say that the measures are intended to bring pressure on the government and leaders of Iran.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
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But scenes like this continue to tell a different story as Iran's leadership only tightens its grip, including imposing a sweeping communications blackout that has seen the internet cut and international calls blocked.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The unique shape helps keep your palm off the table while offering a spot for your thumb to rest.—
Brenda Stolyar,
Wired News,
9 May 2025
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And there’s an art to delegating, without seemingly palming off work to your team.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2023
Verb
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Your potential clients are terrified of being sold the dream then fobbed off to a junior team member.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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While attempting to film his daughter's dance, Miguel Angel Michel, 66, couldn't control his feet and eventually fobbed off his phone altogether, earning 4.2 million views on TikTok.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Verb
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The school also posted a picture of the center, who reportedly has a 7-4 wingspan, palming two basketballs on the program’s website.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
1 Jan. 2026
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Major League Baseball wagged a finger with one hand and palmed gate receipts and a new TV deal in the other.—
Jeremy Collins,
The Atlantic,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pass off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pass%20off. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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