pick off

verb

Definition of pick offnext
as in to intercept
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 pick off Draisaitl picked off a pass from MacKinnon at one end of the ice, then scored on the rebound of his own shot after falling to his knees at the other end. — Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2025 While the Traitors slowly pick off Faithfuls, the Faithfuls try to root out the Traitors. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2025 Marcus Johansson picked off a pass from Kylington along the right wall and immediately snapped a pass to a wide-open Zuccarello in front of the Colorado net. — Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2025 But in the waning seconds, a pass intended for a wide-open McDavid, was picked off by Miller, preventing what would have been an empty net goal. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pick off
  1. intercept
  2. grab
  3. block
Verb
  • An Israeli official said six rockets were fired and three crossed into Israeli territory and were intercepted.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
  • States can also participate by asking the IRS to intercept or offset federal tax refunds for state tax obligations or money owed to state agencies—this includes the authority of the state's child support enforcement office to collect on outstanding child support debts.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of intercept
Verb
  • He’s minimized the walks, partly due to his willingness to use his curveball early in counts for strikes to get ahead and grab count leverage.
    — Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The video shows the man hit the counter several times with the knife in his hand and then walk behind the counter into the kitchen to grab a bag of food.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of grab
Verb
  • If a sale isn’t completed by the deadline, the White House could attempt to enforce a ban — though legal challenges could delay or block that outcome.
    — Esat Dedezade, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Boasberg blocked the administration from relying on that authority Saturday and in a hearing the same day, ordered the two flights to be turned around in midair and returned to the U.S.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of block

Browse Nearby Words

pick-me-ups
pick off
pick on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pick off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pick%20off. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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