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
Relevance
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 picking off
Woo cleared the base paths after picking off the runner for the second out of the inning.
—
Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Charlisse-Leger Walker followed her lead, picking off a pass and kicking it ahead to Jaquez, who drew a trip to the line.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
Bonner, who was re-signed by the new regime, logged 90 defensive snaps last season, permitting a TD reception but also picking off a pass.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
In the 2025 regular season with the Rams, Durant hauled in three interceptions before picking off three more in the playoffs, including two in the NFC Divisional Round overtime win against the Chicago Bears.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Fitzpatrick spent most of six seasons with the Steelers, making the All-Pro team three times while picking off 18 passes during that time.
—Dennis Waszak, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
Unsurprisingly, a new Ghostface shows up on set and begins picking off both the cast and their real-life counterparts.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 2026
Among those career interceptions were the game-sealing one against the Minnesota Vikings, picking off the great Fran Tarkenton to give the Steelers the Super Bowl IX victory — the franchise’s first.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
The lasting memory of his seven-year NFL tenure will be the astute recognition of a Seahawks goal-line concept, blowing up receiver Ricardo Lockette and picking off quarterback Russell Wilson to let New England prevail.
—Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026
Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Charlisse-Leger Walker followed her lead, picking off a pass and kicking it ahead to Jaquez, who drew a trip to the line.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
Bonner, who was re-signed by the new regime, logged 90 defensive snaps last season, permitting a TD reception but also picking off a pass.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
In the 2025 regular season with the Rams, Durant hauled in three interceptions before picking off three more in the playoffs, including two in the NFC Divisional Round overtime win against the Chicago Bears.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Fitzpatrick spent most of six seasons with the Steelers, making the All-Pro team three times while picking off 18 passes during that time.
—Dennis Waszak, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
Unsurprisingly, a new Ghostface shows up on set and begins picking off both the cast and their real-life counterparts.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 2026
Among those career interceptions were the game-sealing one against the Minnesota Vikings, picking off the great Fran Tarkenton to give the Steelers the Super Bowl IX victory — the franchise’s first.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026
The lasting memory of his seven-year NFL tenure will be the astute recognition of a Seahawks goal-line concept, blowing up receiver Ricardo Lockette and picking off quarterback Russell Wilson to let New England prevail.
—Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picking off
Verb
-
His most immediate concern, Zelensky said, are the Patriots — essential for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles — as Ukraine still lacks an effective alternative.—
Serra Yedikardes,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
-
His most immediate concern, Zelenskyy said, are the Patriots — essential for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles — as Ukraine still lacks an effective alternative.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
He is then seen slowly approaching the victim, checking his surroundings, and removing his shoes before grabbing her from behind.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Reaves, meanwhile, spent much of the first quarter grabbing at his back.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Certain graphics on this page may be affected by ad-blocking software.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
During reentry, the heat shield on the spacecraft endures temperatures as high as 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit and plasma will form around the capsule, blocking the transmission of radio signals.—
Miles Doran,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Picking off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picking%20off. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
