1
as in to distract
to draw the attention or mind to something else
she was about to tell me the big news when her attention was called off by the arrival of another guest
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to cancel
to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to)
called off the party after half of those invited couldn't make it
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Recent Examples of call off
In 2021, the couple called off their engagement, and Lopez soon rekindled her romance with Ben Affleck.
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David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
SpaceX's plans to launch four small communications satellites to a high Earth orbit were called off as the countdown reached T-0 seconds on Saturday (Dec. 1).
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Smith, now 74, was scheduled to be executed for the 1989 killings of his estranged wife and her teenage sons before it was called off.
—Landon Mion, Fox News, 28 Dec. 2024
The search was called off after search and rescue teams failed to find the man.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for call off 
David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
SpaceX's plans to launch four small communications satellites to a high Earth orbit were called off as the countdown reached T-0 seconds on Saturday (Dec. 1).
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 21 Dec. 2024
Smith, now 74, was scheduled to be executed for the 1989 killings of his estranged wife and her teenage sons before it was called off.
—Landon Mion, Fox News, 28 Dec. 2024
The search was called off after search and rescue teams failed to find the man.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for call off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for call off
Verb
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After all, we too are drawn to violent, meaningless spectacle to distract us from matters of substance.Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
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Police warned those in attendance to keep their hands down so as not to distract from the formal proceedings.Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Premieres, events, and film and TV productions are being canceled across the city.Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
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Also, an activation event promoting Meta Quest with an appearance by Jane Fonda promoting her new VR fitness series in West Hollywood has been canceled.Katcy Stephan, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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For example, Trump vowed during the presidential campaign to deny Newsom federal money to fight wildfires unless the governor diverted more water to farms.George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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Instead of being snatched from the air by the tower's chopstick arms, the booster was diverted to an off-shore splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, safely disposing of the rocket stage away from populated areas about seven minutes after liftoff.Mike Wall, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Barney and Nutmeg are believed to have been abandoned in the Clinton Township area.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
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Vigny did in fact abandon the literary rat race for his country estate and quit publishing while continuing to write for himself.Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Timberwolves can’t use injuries as an excuse for their 18-17 record, but their significant trade has thrown off their equilibrium, leaving them chasing the good vibes of last season’s conference finals run.Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
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Not having certain amenities like a straw or a blanket can throw off a student’s entire day.Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And after Trump won this past November's election, his lawyers argued that the case had to be scrapped to avoid impinging on his upcoming presidency and his transition to the Oval Office.MICHAEL R. SISAK, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025
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And after Trump won this past November’s election, his lawyers argued that the case had to be scrapped to avoid impinging on his upcoming presidency and his transition to the Oval Office.Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Farnsworth, 62, has been in federal custody since his bond was revoked in August 2023.Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Jan. 2025
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His license will also be revoked for three years, and he will be required to take a defense driving course.Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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During Starship's last test flight in November, the maneuver was aborted.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
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An aircraft aborted takeoff at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on Friday morning, with passengers using emergency slides to deboard, according to a statement the airport posted online, which noted that four passengers reported minor injuries.Alex Nitzberg, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near call off
Cite this Entry
“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/call%20off. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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