as in fulfilling
to carry through (as a process) to completion
the rebel forces pulled off a surprisingly successful offensive against the better equipped government troops
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Recent Examples of pulling off
The Miami quarterback was minutes removed from throwing the game-sealing interception that ended UM’s chances of pulling off a comeback to win their sixth national title.
—
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
So who and what is Palm Tree Crew, the mysterious entity that’s pulling off the events Billy McFarland could only dream of?
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 21 Jan. 2026
From an early age, her big sister was teaching her all about pulling off a matching moment.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Mastering proportions, for one, is key to pulling off a loose-fitting look without getting lost in it.
—Sri Rain Stewart, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026
Instead of pulling off a strong road win to lift the team’s spirits, the Rockets saw another close game slip away on the road as the questions about this group’s ability to execute during pivotal moments are only getting louder by the day.
—William Guillory, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Morgan's hopes of pulling off her surprise for Uncle Tommy get sacked.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Louisville should climb into the rankings after pulling off the upset.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
The best curvy denim skirts The right fit is key to pulling off a denim skirt of any variety, but finding the right one requires time and research.
—Avery Matera, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2025
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
So who and what is Palm Tree Crew, the mysterious entity that’s pulling off the events Billy McFarland could only dream of?
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 21 Jan. 2026
From an early age, her big sister was teaching her all about pulling off a matching moment.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Mastering proportions, for one, is key to pulling off a loose-fitting look without getting lost in it.
—Sri Rain Stewart, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026
Instead of pulling off a strong road win to lift the team’s spirits, the Rockets saw another close game slip away on the road as the questions about this group’s ability to execute during pivotal moments are only getting louder by the day.
—William Guillory, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Morgan's hopes of pulling off her surprise for Uncle Tommy get sacked.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Louisville should climb into the rankings after pulling off the upset.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
The best curvy denim skirts The right fit is key to pulling off a denim skirt of any variety, but finding the right one requires time and research.
—Avery Matera, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pulling off
Verb
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The goal, Hill says, is to find the balance between saving for the future and living a fulfilling life now.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
24 Jan. 2026
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The state mandates more affordable housing to be built in high-density areas near mass transit lines, yet court actions hinder development from taking place fulfilling the directive.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There is a solid chance that the AI might not be proficient at performing music therapy.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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For instance, Schultz has steadfastly fought against performing blood transfusions in the field, despite the federal government’s offer of billions of dollars in grants to pay for them.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The agency obtained them last week by executing a search warrant.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Jan. 2026
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Investigators placed Dongas at the scene of the crime after executing a search warrant on his phone.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tangible goals include achieving zero plastic use in all guest rooms and implementing innovative systems like ice storage for energy efficiency and grey water water reuse for conservation.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Their expertise and pure joy for all the young talents growing and achieving through their guidance and support uplifts the enthusiastic energy of the teammates, their families and the entire ranch, according to the news release.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Malinin holds the honor as the only skater ever to land a quad axel in competition, first accomplishing the feat in 2022.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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But experts warn that accomplishing anything near a return to full capacity oil production in Venezuela will likely take years.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Mobs of students and true believers called the Red Guard roamed across the country carrying out the wishes of their leader Mao Zedong.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Jan. 2026
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The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, alleges that the No Secret Police Act and the No Vigilantes Act threaten the safety of officers facing harassment, doxing and violence while carrying out enforcement duties.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In doing so, something incredible is revealed — the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower will coincide with a total solar eclipse.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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In a telephone call on Saturday, Hennessey estimated that 50 of the paper’s 200 journalists are covering the story daily, doing everything from tracking protests and monitoring immigration enforcement action to covering the significant business impact on the city.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, was charged with making threatening interstate communications, including threats to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Minnesota goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was valiant on enemy ice, making 40 saves to keep the hosts from turning the game into a blowout.—
Tom Carothers,
Twin Cities,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pulling off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pulling%20off. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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