pass off

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

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 Galatasaray versus Fenerbahce last night had zero chance of passing off quietly. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 And her play on the other end of the court — swallowing up opponents on defense in the post and passing off mismatches to create kick-out 3-point opportunities — headlined the first win of the Sky season. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025 That entire scene never happens if Eva can pass off her turn. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025 And on the high-school football team, the comedian remembers trying to pass off his pop-star obsessions as pure, red-blooded machismo. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pass off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pass off
Verb
  • In some brands and industries, giving franchisees a higher than usual degree of autonomy and flexibility may work well, whilst in others the franchisor may wish to retain a significant level of control over many aspects of the business.
    Fiona Simpson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • For schools wishing to offer payments beyond the standard revenue-sharing amounts, those additional funds will need to come from NIL deals.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Attempting to assault a federal officer and inflict bodily injury is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Jurors, who deliberated for about a day, also rejected sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury on his accusers.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump has set a July 9 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs, but trade talks have run into obstacles including discussions over duties on farm goods, steel and car parts.
    Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • The state also referenced the heavy toll a monthslong trial could impose on the families as well as the possibility of lengthy appeals even if Kohberger were to be convicted and sentenced to death, according to the letter reviewed by ABC News.
    Kayna Whitworth, ABC News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • And there’s an art to delegating, without seemingly palming off work to your team.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2023
Verb
  • Not only does Israel not have spare luxury jets lying around to fob off on the American president, but the country took nine years to retrofit and launch its own version of Air Force One, and the process was a national fiasco.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
  • But despite previous transparency around the cost-cutting measures, employees inquiring about how the budget cuts have impacted their performance review will now be fobbed off.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2023
Verb
  • One of the others mimed palming the girl’s rear while the third snapped a photo.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • With his feet still inside the penalty area, but his right arm extended beyond its edge, Henderson took the ball almost off Haaland’s foot and palmed it away from his goal, towards the touchline.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pass off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pass%20off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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