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.
Those plans have since been called off, but the discourse still loomed large over the shoot. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 June 2026 But then abruptly on Thursday evening the trip was called off — at least for the time being. — Jamey Keaten, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 However, things took a turn, when the pair called off their engagement in November 2020. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 24 June 2026 After police determined the suspect was no longer in the area, CMPD called off the search. — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on call off

Nglish: Translation of call off for Spanish Speakers

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