call off

verb

called off; calling off; calls off
Synonyms of call offnext

transitive verb

1
: to draw away : divert
2
: cancel

Synonyms of call off

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Examples of call off in a Sentence

she was about to tell me the big news when her attention was called off by the arrival of another guest called off the party after half of those invited couldn't make it
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Trump has also called off plans to renew attacks on Iran before. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 The Coast Guard rescued 49 passengers, but called off its search after three days with 10 people still missing. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 An emergency meeting with top government officials on Monday confirmed PSG-Barcelona and other soccer games in European competitions can go ahead after the possibility of calling off games and other big events was discussed. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Affleck and Lopez initially dated in the early 2000s, calling off their engagement in 2004. — Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for call off

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of call off was in 1606

Rhymes for call off

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Browse Nearby Words

callo-
call off
call office
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Cite this Entry

“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20off. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

call off

verb
1
: to draw away : divert
call off a dog
2
: cancel sense 2a
call off a meeting
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