as in to refuse
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
I must pass up the offer to be chairman of this event
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Recent Examples of pass up
Lauren, a first-grade teacher, knew the moment was just too special to pass up.
—
Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026
This is the first time that a moon crew has colleagues in space at the same time, and NASA won’t pass up the opportunity for a cosmic chitchat.
—Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Seriously, neighbors, friends, the FedEx delivery person—there's no one who can pass up a glass of tea on a shady pergola.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
For one, the space agency doesn’t want to pass up a chance to get this rocket off the ground, according to Lori Glaze, NASA’s acting associate administrator of the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pass up
Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026
This is the first time that a moon crew has colleagues in space at the same time, and NASA won’t pass up the opportunity for a cosmic chitchat.
—Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Seriously, neighbors, friends, the FedEx delivery person—there's no one who can pass up a glass of tea on a shady pergola.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
For one, the space agency doesn’t want to pass up a chance to get this rocket off the ground, according to Lori Glaze, NASA’s acting associate administrator of the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pass up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pass up
Verb
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She was commanded multiple times to drop the knife, but refused and cut the toddler's face.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
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Earlier, media reports said all students were evacuated and police special operations units were deployed after the assailant refused to surrender.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Hezbollah strongly rejected the talks.—
Tucker Reals,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Weinstein’s precipitous downfall came after the New Yorker and The New York Times published explosive investigative reporting in late 2017 accusing him of habitually preying on women from his powerful perch in Hollywood and blacklisting those who rejected him.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After reviewing the case, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office and the Draper City Prosecutor have declined to file charges against Paul, citing insufficient evidence to prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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The California Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 15, declined to hear Eastman’s appeal of a lower court ruling recommending his disbarment, essentially certifying that recommendation.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, if a player stands out to the team, as Mendoza is believed to have done, the Raiders will turn down an offer.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
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On the ninth floor, a serene outdoor swimming pool proves that even amidst the hum of Bangkok, Aman knows how to turn down the volume.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, Bednar, who has already thrown over 30 pitches in two appearances this season, told The News there’s no cause for concern, as this is an early-season occurrence he’s dealt with before.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
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No formal, stuffy tuxedos here—just the coolest textured jacket thrown over a shirtdress and boots for the coolest, wear-anywhere outfit.—
Gena Kaufman,
InStyle,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pass up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pass%20up. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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