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
Relevance
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 off
Adam Gordon, the book’s protagonist, is always passing off someone else’s language as his own.
—
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Wembanyama rewarded Bryant on the ensuing play with an alley-oop pass off a pick-and-roll that the Spurs rookie turned into a layup three minutes into the second quarter.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
But the overall reality is simple, lying in the hands of the head man still pulling the strings despite passing off the play-calling reins.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
To diVittorio, the minimum lot sizes are too big — and therefore expensive; setbacks from streets are too broad, eating up buildable land; and sidewalk requirements are too costly, getting passed off to consumers.
—Mark Dee
march 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pass off
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Wembanyama rewarded Bryant on the ensuing play with an alley-oop pass off a pick-and-roll that the Spurs rookie turned into a layup three minutes into the second quarter.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
But the overall reality is simple, lying in the hands of the head man still pulling the strings despite passing off the play-calling reins.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
To diVittorio, the minimum lot sizes are too big — and therefore expensive; setbacks from streets are too broad, eating up buildable land; and sidewalk requirements are too costly, getting passed off to consumers.
—Mark Dee
march 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pass off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pass off
Verb
-
According to sources, Charles wishes to leave her the Keppel Tiara, a diamond-and-ruby piece valued at around $44,000, which originally belonged to Alice Keppel, Camilla’s great-great-grandmother.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
2 June 2026
-
Stop, stop, don’t all rush in to wish me a happy birthday!—
Allison DeAngelis,
STAT,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Several analysts argue that an open Strait of Hormuz, even one partly controlled by Iran, would inflict less damage on the global economy than one that is closed.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
The more likely to be comfortable inflicting pain on the other side (and on fans)?—
Dan Shanoff,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The House of Representatives again overrode Republican leaders to pass a bill that would authorize billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
The House's effort to circumvent leadership on support for Ukraine comes as bipartisan legislation in the Senate to impose new economic sanctions on Russia has languished for more than a year, with senators waiting for a green light from the White House.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
While other firms have trimmed entry-level hiring as AI takes over the admin tasks normally palmed off to younger workers, EY is actively investing in early-career talent.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Whether out of pride, ideological zeal or an instinct to haggle for even the tiniest advantage, Iranian leaders will be tempted to stall — to drag out negotiations, fob off the U.S. with flashy promises and try to trip up their American counterparts in highly technical details.—
Bloomberg Opinion,
Twin Cities,
26 Feb. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Anna Konkle: As a child, knowing where one begins and ends in relation to one’s parents (especially amidst loud, unpredictable hippies) is like palming through a bucket of rice for a single grain.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
-
Sibley, trying to get between Popov and his friends, made contact with the teen, palms out and open handed, and Popov stabbed him in the heart, Jafari said.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pass off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pass%20off. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
