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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
Instead of fulfilling their contracts, the suspects used the funds for the company’s operating costs and their own personal expenses, the documents state.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Working with Jamie Lloyd and Hayley Atwell on Shakespeare’s most warm-hearted play has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my performing life.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One of his favorite memories wasn’t taking pictures, but performing with Bob at a Grammy party.—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Patrick Smith / Getty Images Athletes jump off a near-vertical ramp, launching themselves in the air and performing complex aerobatics, reaching speeds of up to more than 65 km per hour.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Prosecutors detain former Defense Minister Kim over his role in planning and executing the declaration of martial law.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
While executing the search warrant on Sunday, deputies found a man dead inside the home, the Sheriff’s Office said on Monday.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There’s something so pleasing about smooth, streak-free floors—and the good news is, achieving them doesn’t have to take over your schedule.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Regardless of whether Arthur Agee and William Gates become the next Jordan — or even the next Isiah Thomas — their lives wind up far more interesting than potential glory, with unexpected developments achieving a profundity few scripts ever could have.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Iowa's dominance in collegiate wrestling The Hawkeyes lead all Iowa schools with 24 team titles at the NCAA Championships, last accomplishing this feat in 2021, and are second all-time, behind Oklahoma State (34).—
Cooper Worth,
Des Moines Register,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Recording 200 strikeouts is another one of his goals in 2026, and accomplishing it would likely mean good things for the Mets.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Last week, the topic took center stage again when Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, posted a video accusing Armenian crime groups of carrying out widespread hospice fraud in Los Angeles.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
As Operation Metro Surge got into full swing earlier this month, more than 3,000 federal immigration agents flooded into Minnesota, carrying out sweeping detentions and facing off with protesters in tense confrontations.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The problem with polls The consensus view among observers is that a small minority of Russians oppose the war, a slightly larger minority enthusiastically support the war, and the majority passively go along with what the state is doing.—
Elizaveta Gaufman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The military level is doing serious preparation.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Other beauty gurus like Jackie Aina, Aaliyah Jay, Manny MUA, Amrezy, NikkiTutorials, Patrick Starrr, MakeupShayla, and Alissa Ashley, among others, were making waves online and earning their audiences' trust.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Garland and Boyle also have devoted time and effort to character psychology, to making the members of the Icarus’ crew into recognizable people and not Hollywood stick figures.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pulling off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pulling%20off. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
