picks off

present tense third-person singular of pick off
as in intercepts
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 picks off But Johnson or another defensive back picks off Lagway to end a Baylor rally attempt. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 Miami also seemed to make some picks off measurables. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026 Riq Woolen picks off Jalen Hurts about 15 yards up the right sideline, jumps in front of Dallas Goedert. Zach Berman, New York Times, 11 June 2026 George Rose / Getty Images Over the course of his NFL playing days, Jim had 19 interceptions, including picks off the likes of legendary quarterbacks like Len Dawson, Archie Manning and Joe Namath. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picks off
Verb
  • Defensive Player of the Week Josiah Griffin, a senior defensive back, intercepts a pass with 90 seconds left and returns it 45 yards for the deciding TD as Waubonsie Valley earns its first win of season with a 28-21 victory over Palatine.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Two plays later, Seminole intercepts a pass without a penalty.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As the striker attempts to get back to his feet, albeit with a handful of the defender’s shirt, Rosario grabs Haaland’s backside.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Innanen came up with the idea that, as Anton gets up to leave while Paul Baker and Issa make out, Paul Baker grabs his leg to keep him on the bed.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some told the Miami Herald that the ruling blocks the path to asylum and that the cases cannot be evaluated in a vacuum.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Stopgap spending bill passes House The House voted yesterday to pass a stopgap government-funding bill that temporarily blocks the White House’s proposal to give political appointees more control over federal research grants.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Picks off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picks%20off. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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