1
as in hands
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another
could you please pass me the phone?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in stops
to come to an end
eventually, the storm passed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in leaves
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 enacts
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 happens
to take place
and the destruction of the town came to pass, just as the seer had predicted
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in undergoes
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 utters
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 refuses
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 flies
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the finished product isn't perfect, but it will pass
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in canyons
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage
a mountain pass that was impassable during the winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in routes
a passage cleared for public vehicular travel
take the second pass on the right
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in tickets
a small sheet of plastic, paper, or paperboard showing that the bearer has a claim to something (as admittance)
a pass to leave the military base for the weekend
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
3
as in accomplishments
the state of being actual or complete
eventually, all their career goals came to pass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of passes
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
An egg that passes visual and smell inspection up to three weeks past the expiration date is almost certainly still good, regardless of what the carton says.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
But Boston evened the score in the middle period when Liz Schepers sent a shot past Philips following passes from Shay Maloney and Elly Huber.
—Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Closing weekend lift tickets are available for $39, and season and Ikon passes still apply.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
Somerville firefighters stand on overpass as hearse carrying Trooper Kevin Trainor passes underneath during dignified transfer.
—Brandon Truitt, CBS News, 8 May 2026
California relies on the Middle East for 30% of its crude oil, said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, including oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
And now, at last, sperm passes from one slug to the other.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
As a result, when Earth passes through the comet’s orbit, the comet itself is very far away.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 3 May 2026
Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
However, passes weren’t connecting, Montreal’s speed was able to keep up with the Frost’s own, and shot attempts ended up being too wide of the net to go in.
—Theodore Tollefson, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Disney fans already use a single email address that connects all their accounts for the Disneyland app, Magic Key annual passes, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+ streaming service, D23 fan club and even the private Club 33, according to Laughing Place’s Tony Betti.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
One-day and season passes include event access; purchase a Tasting Card to mix and match dish and drink options at Bites and Pints booths.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Malik Washington, who caught 46 of 65 passes thrown his way last season, and turned them into 317 yards and three touchdowns, will be his main competition.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
Because of the city’s management, federal lands recreation passes will not be accepted at Mount Blue Sky, Denver officials said.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Brazzell was able to catch some passes behind him, even while his momentum was pushing him forward.
—Mike Kaye
may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Parking passes bought on the day of the event will be $25.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Verb
The central Sahel is defined by the continent-spanning arid belt that passes through Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
An egg that passes visual and smell inspection up to three weeks past the expiration date is almost certainly still good, regardless of what the carton says.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
But Boston evened the score in the middle period when Liz Schepers sent a shot past Philips following passes from Shay Maloney and Elly Huber.
—Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Closing weekend lift tickets are available for $39, and season and Ikon passes still apply.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
Somerville firefighters stand on overpass as hearse carrying Trooper Kevin Trainor passes underneath during dignified transfer.
—Brandon Truitt, CBS News, 8 May 2026
California relies on the Middle East for 30% of its crude oil, said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, including oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
And now, at last, sperm passes from one slug to the other.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
As a result, when Earth passes through the comet’s orbit, the comet itself is very far away.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 3 May 2026
Noun
Ninth grade quarterback Ivy Munns threw touchdown passes to senior Ellah Husbands and junior Khloe Cook.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
However, passes weren’t connecting, Montreal’s speed was able to keep up with the Frost’s own, and shot attempts ended up being too wide of the net to go in.
—Theodore Tollefson, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Disney fans already use a single email address that connects all their accounts for the Disneyland app, Magic Key annual passes, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+ streaming service, D23 fan club and even the private Club 33, according to Laughing Place’s Tony Betti.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
One-day and season passes include event access; purchase a Tasting Card to mix and match dish and drink options at Bites and Pints booths.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Malik Washington, who caught 46 of 65 passes thrown his way last season, and turned them into 317 yards and three touchdowns, will be his main competition.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
Because of the city’s management, federal lands recreation passes will not be accepted at Mount Blue Sky, Denver officials said.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Brazzell was able to catch some passes behind him, even while his momentum was pushing him forward.
—Mike Kaye
may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Parking passes bought on the day of the event will be $25.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passes
Verb
-
Jesus Vasquez hands a petition to another student.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
-
The partnership hands a big win to OpenAI’s biggest competitor at the peak of Musk’s public feud with OpenAI, and provides a roadmap to where the relationship between Musk and Anthropic could head next.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
When the game stops, it will be called on account of darkness.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
Many guests are juggling packed itineraries—pyramid visits, museum stops, Nile cruise transfers—and the staff are well practiced at coordinating drivers, guides, and early departures.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The Board of Education said in a letter to families that members will identify an interim superintendent who can lead the district after Dorland leaves.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
-
When Gundula leaves for a few weeks, Hannes tends the geranium in her absence, with a dedication that proves enrapturing for him, even transformative.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Even if Florida enacts a GOP-friendlier map in a special legislative session set for April 28, the worst possible outcome from the redistricting fight now looks like a national dead heat.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Attorney General enacts California’s laws and can bring litigation against companies or the federal government on behalf of state residents.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Whatever happens in the months ahead though, signing at least one new midfielder should be a priority.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
When that happens, clubs can build real campaigns.—
Shivaas Gulati,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Rojas undergoes radiation treatments at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Plantation.—
Lauren Pastrana,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
Electricity undergoes multiple conversions, moving from high-voltage direct current into high-frequency magnetic fields before being captured and stabilized on board.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
The phrase also sometimes is used as a battle cry and has been employed by those with a nefarious agenda to instill fear of anyone who utters it and to raise concerns about Islam itself, according to Muslim scholars and civil rights advocates.—
Michelle Krupa,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Falduto utters the words as his character Billy to Dewey, playing the opinionated student who becomes the stylist for the band.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Footloose is also name-checked, which is technically not a horror movie but is about a small town that stubbornly refuses to change.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
-
Hunter is stubborn, arrogant and gifted enough to play for the Briar hockey team, yet refuses to for reasons the show has yet to reveal.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Passes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passes. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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