put off

verb

put off; putting off; puts off
Synonyms of put offnext

transitive verb

1
a
: disconcert
b
: repel
2
a
: to hold back to a later time
b
: to induce to wait
put the bill collector off
3
: to rid oneself of : take off
4
: to sell or pass fraudulently

Synonyms of put off

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Examples of put off in a Sentence

never put off until tomorrow what you can do today put off your coat and stay awhile
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.
When a leader puts off a decision, the people around them feel the pause first. — Mohamed Al Hashemi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The fact that your attic is one of the hottest spots in your home should be reason enough to put off this decluttering job. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 She's seen these parents put off their own health, including necessary surgeries. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 June 2026 After winning the Jimmys, a lot of kids end up getting jobs and putting off or skipping college. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for put off

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of put off was in the 14th century

Rhymes for put off

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Browse Nearby Words

Putnam scale
put off
put-on
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Cite this Entry

“Put off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

put off

verb
1
: to cause negative feelings in
your sloppy appearance put them off
2
: to hold back to a later time : defer
put off my visit to the dentist
3
: to rid oneself of
put off your coat

More from Merriam-Webster on put off

Nglish: Translation of put off for Spanish Speakers

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