pick off

as in to intercept
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course picked off more passes than any other player in the division

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 pick off The inning ended when Kiehl took a huge lead toward home plate and was picked off trying to get back to third base. Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 18 Apr. 2025 Morrison picked off six passes in his freshman season at Notre Dame, and his production in college was elite. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025 He was caught stealing twice, including trying to take third base in the eighth, and he was also picked off. Kristie Ackert, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025 Being a Trump-district Democrat, Peltola was one of the top targets for Republicans to pick off in 2024, and in a presidential election year in which Alaska almost would certainly vote for Trump, the GOP seemed to be the favorites. Jared Gans, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pick off
Verb
  • Eichel intercepted Kaprizov’s centering pass, charged down the ice and found Karlsson for a back-door goal to make it 1-0.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • That offload in Florida came from 13 separate incidents where Coast Guard ships intercepted drug trafficking operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The game ended appropriately with Minnesota’s Naz Reid grabbing an offensive rebound off a Timberwolves missed free throw attempt and hugging the ball like Minnesota hugged this victory.
    Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
  • Decker was walking and pushing his bike when Nelson grabbed his backpack and attempted to detain him.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • In the video, sunlight outside is blocked by a pair of curtains, but one tiny spot has streamed through—and Goose is completely fascinated by it.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • The opposition from Tillis, who is up for reelection next year, combined with that from all Democrats, could block Martin's nomination from getting out of committee.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pick off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pick%20off. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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