1
2
as in to stop
to come to an end
eventually, the storm passed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to leave
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another
pass your forms to the department head once they're filled out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to enact
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
Congress cannot pass any law restricting free speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to happen
to take place
and the destruction of the town came to pass, just as the seer had predicted
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
he'll occasionally pass some insightful comment, but in general he doesn't have much to contribute
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in to refuse
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
we appreciate the invitation to the party, but we'll have to pass I'll pass on the coffee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the finished product isn't perfect, but it will pass
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of
in public they pass for being a loving couple, but in reality they are only friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to die
to stop living
my grandfather passed on at the age of 92
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to traverse
to make one's way through, across, or over
passed over two bridges
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
The bill passed three days later.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
The story reimagines the life of Lucrezia di Cosimo de’ Medici, who was married at age 15 and, rumor has it, murdered by her husband before a year had passed.
—Rachel Vorona Cote, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Though the worst has not come to pass, Moscow’s decision — driven by domestic shortfalls caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries — piles further pressure on the sector.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pass
Verb
The money comes from programs funded through the Farm Bill, a piece of federal legislation passed every few years that addresses agriculture policy, and funds food and agriculture producer support programs, among many other things.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
The bill passed three days later.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
The story reimagines the life of Lucrezia di Cosimo de’ Medici, who was married at age 15 and, rumor has it, murdered by her husband before a year had passed.
—Rachel Vorona Cote, Vulture, 2 June 2026
Though the worst has not come to pass, Moscow’s decision — driven by domestic shortfalls caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries — piles further pressure on the sector.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pass
Verb
-
Tovar ambushed Kilian’s first offering, pulling a two-run homer over the left-field fence to hand the Giants their fourth straight loss.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
-
If the 5 in 5 rule means the clock is ticking on their college eligibility as soon as they’re handed a high school diploma, more Minnesota kids are likely to leave the prep ranks early.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In order to secure the funds, the family members submitted fake financial instruments and money orders, continuing to do so even after the IRS sent them letters telling them to stop, according to the statement.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
-
The order, which Trump signed in private on June 2, stops short of mandating that the federal government conduct safety evaluations and cybersecurity testing for advanced AI products.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Several students testified that Anthony was repeatedly asked to leave the Memorial High School tent before the confrontation escalated.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
-
That would leave the US emergency oil reserve with the least amount of oil since the early 1980s, when the economy was smaller and consumed less energy.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
The city of Durham enacted a 60-day moratorium in May after residents also cited concerns about environmental impacts.—
Mary Ramsey
Updated June 8,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2026
-
The requirement, which Newsom enacted by executive order in March 2025, begins July 1 and requires all state workers to work in the office at least four days a week.—
Kassia Bonesteel,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
The shooting happened at Madison and Lockwood.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
-
The case has drawn national attention, fueled by debate over Texas self-defense law, questions surrounding race, competing narratives about what happened beneath a Memorial High School team tent and demonstrations outside the Collin County courthouse.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
In the study, patients taking the drug lived longer compared to those undergoing chemotherapy.—
Luzdelia Caballero,
CBS News,
5 June 2026
-
The bruise was first revealed when Judge underwent testing on the team’s off day on Monday.—
Larry Fleisher,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
In recent weeks, Bass has offered her own critical assessment of Raman, saying the councilmember struggled to work closely with others — even her own allies.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Then, the magic comes in the editing room, piecing together the story to say something bigger than one shot ever could.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The nurses refused to increase her morphine.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
The fund sparked widespread condemnation and a standoff between the White House and Congress, with Senate Republicans refusing to pass an immigration enforcement spending bill unless the fund was limited or scrapped.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pass. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
