picks off

Definition of picks offnext
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 On another night, Notre Dame picks off Reed two or three times. Pete Sampson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picks off
Verb
  • The Earth constantly intercepts about 166,000 Terawatts of power from the Sun.
    Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Luke Davis intercepts a long pass at the Vandegrift 26 as the Vipers produce their third turnover.
    Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Video shows that in the seconds before Pretti is shot, the 37-year-old ICU nurse grabs the observer’s backpack when he is pulled to the ground by a group of agents.
    Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The officer grabs Pretti’s shirt at his chest, pulling him back toward the vehicle as Pretti’s arms flail.
    Michael Biesecker, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Police have reported three incidents, all of them just blocks from each other in the South Shore and Grand Crossing communities.
    Natalie Goldstick, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The 24-year-old succeeds against all three levels of the pass defense, blocks well against defensive backs and even front-seven defenders and runs for yards off jet-motion touches, screens and downfield passes.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2026.

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