1
as in hands
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another
could you please pass me the phone?
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Relevance
2
as in stops
to come to an end
eventually, the storm passed
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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
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4
as in enacts
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
Congress cannot pass any law restricting free speech
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5
as in happens
to take place
and the destruction of the town came to pass, just as the seer had predicted
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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
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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
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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
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9
as in flies
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the finished product isn't perfect, but it will pass
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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
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2
as in routes
a passage cleared for public vehicular travel
take the second pass on the right
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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
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2
3
as in accomplishments
the state of being actual or complete
eventually, all their career goals came to pass
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Cite this Entry
“Passes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passes. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.
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