as in intercepting
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
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Recent Examples of picking off
When a masked slasher in a Ghostface mask begins picking off kids at Sidney’s high school, everyone puts their heads together to pinpoint the killer.
—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
Harriet died a few years before Leo, and then Leo passed, picking off enemy planes in a brief delirium.
—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
Despite emerging from the pits behind McLaughlin, Malukas swept past his teammate on the out lap before also picking off Palou, putting him ahead of the two yellow cars once again.
—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
Not opportunistically picking off babies from the ground.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
But while Louis Moore was exemplary in 2025 — picking off six passes and helping anchor a sturdy secondary on Indiana’s national championship team — NFL evaluators have doubts about whether his modest size (5-10, 191) and limited athleticism will lend itself to a long-term NFL career.
—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Since the start of the shutdown, the House has passed a bill to fully fund all of DHS for fiscal year 2027 at least four times -- even picking off some Democrats along the way.
—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
In order to pull off a stunner, Democrats must hold their own while picking off four GOP seats.
—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
After weeks and weeks of speculation of who could be available when the Cowboys were on the clock for their first selection in the first round, the board began quickly picking off talented defensive players.
—
Nick Harris
april 24,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
Harriet died a few years before Leo, and then Leo passed, picking off enemy planes in a brief delirium.
—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
Despite emerging from the pits behind McLaughlin, Malukas swept past his teammate on the out lap before also picking off Palou, putting him ahead of the two yellow cars once again.
—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
Not opportunistically picking off babies from the ground.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
But while Louis Moore was exemplary in 2025 — picking off six passes and helping anchor a sturdy secondary on Indiana’s national championship team — NFL evaluators have doubts about whether his modest size (5-10, 191) and limited athleticism will lend itself to a long-term NFL career.
—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Since the start of the shutdown, the House has passed a bill to fully fund all of DHS for fiscal year 2027 at least four times -- even picking off some Democrats along the way.
—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
In order to pull off a stunner, Democrats must hold their own while picking off four GOP seats.
—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
After weeks and weeks of speculation of who could be available when the Cowboys were on the clock for their first selection in the first round, the board began quickly picking off talented defensive players.
—
Nick Harris
april 24,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picking off
Verb
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The barrage was part of a larger Ukrainian attack over a broad swath of Russia, with air defenses intercepting 555 drones, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense – including over the Sea of Azov.
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Second-year cornerback Nohl Williams stood out on defense, breaking up two passes and intercepting Mahomes in the end zone during Day 1 of minicamp.
Verb
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The video then shows the woman throwing Martinez to the ground, grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly attacking her as bystanders try to step in and help.
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According to Sangrio, the video appears to show Matthew Cox, O'Toole's then-attendant, striking the 60-year-old with a broom, punching him and grabbing him by the neck.
Verb
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Instead, opt for a more secure purse like this anti-theft messenger bag, which has a zipper at the top, locking compartments, slash-resistant material, and RFID-blocking panels.
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Charred chunks of foam have been floating from the burn site, partially blocking storm drains.
Cite this Entry
“Picking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picking%20off. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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