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
In California, the law prevents incumbents from pulling off the kind of underhanded stunt that Garcia and Daines managed.
—
Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Down 23 points at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Brooklyn still found a way to beat the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, pulling off the fifth-largest comeback in franchise history and avoiding a season sweep.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
There's nothing the couple loves more than pulling off the road to enjoy a local diner or small clam shack.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026
Shenzhen is likened to a vibrant harbor for dreamers, and the hotel is pulling off the feat of becoming a gathering place for tech professionals and financial elites.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
What’s more American than pulling off a victory after a kick in the teeth?
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
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
Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Down 23 points at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Brooklyn still found a way to beat the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, pulling off the fifth-largest comeback in franchise history and avoiding a season sweep.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
There's nothing the couple loves more than pulling off the road to enjoy a local diner or small clam shack.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026
Shenzhen is likened to a vibrant harbor for dreamers, and the hotel is pulling off the feat of becoming a gathering place for tech professionals and financial elites.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
What’s more American than pulling off a victory after a kick in the teeth?
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pulling off
Verb
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By making this register the emotional climax of the season, the show leaves us with the impression that John and Carolyn’s relationship was more messed up than fulfilling or loving.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
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This week’s adventures in dining were a bit of a mixed bag of Lenten fish fry, catching up with a friend and fulfilling a craving.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer and Spider Stacy are performing alongside a lineup that includes Daragh Lynch, Iona Zajac, John Francis Flynn and Lisa O’Neill.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
21 Mar. 2026
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Compensation for performing at games is a food voucher and more intangible rewards.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The scholars argue that decisions involving life and human dignity must remain in human hands, warning that AI systems capable of selecting and executing targets fundamentally alter the moral nature of war.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
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But there must be a heavy price for the regime for executing young people like this.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even if one accepts that perfectly reasonable people are happy to live in a bubble with strangers for months in hopes of achieving love, fame or a cash prize, someone inevitably is cast to bring the crazy, er, conversation-sparking personality.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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When learning how to straighten curly hair at home, protecting your hair’s health is just as important as achieving a sleek final look.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Redick added that Ayton is accomplishing the small tasks too, becoming a vital part of the Lakers’ pick-and-roll game again with his screens – helping create for Doncic and Reaves, and receiving for close-range looks as well.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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Auriemma described it as one of the most emotional moments of his career, years of struggle and disappointment cumulating in the catharsis of finally accomplishing that ultimate goal.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Guardsmen are also carrying out civic duties like picking up trash, tending to landscaping and scrubbing graffiti.—
Steven Beynon,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Shoshani also claimed Hezbollah was attempting to send operatives toward Lebanon's border with Israel, and that Israel would continue carrying out strikes for as long as necessary to eliminate the threat.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the midst of a statistically impressive season, LaMelo Ball is doing it all for the Charlotte Hornets.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2026
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With its stunning natural surroundings, Lake Como is an idyllic destination to explore with a dog, and the Edition makes doing so in style entirely possible.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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My mom’s team had at least given me a heftier brochure featuring tasteful photographs of lilacs; this one was literally stapled together, with cartoonish drawings like the ones on airplane safety cards that show your aircraft making a pleasant water landing.—
Amanda Peet,
New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2026
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Psychological readiness is an important factor in safe return to play and reinjury risk, making gradual exposure through both imagery and real-world practice, along with open discussion and validation of fear, essential parts of recovery.—
Ian McMahan,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pulling off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pulling%20off. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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