as in flash
lasting only for a short time
his parents were willing to buy him a piano if he demonstrated that his interest in music was more than a passing fancy
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Relevance
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as in death
the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities
the precise moment of his passing was recorded by the machines at his bedside
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as in very
to a great degree
a passing strange turn of events
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1
as in handing
to shift possession of (something) from one person to another
could you please pass me the phone?
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2
as in stopping
to come to an end
eventually, the storm passed
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3
as in leaving
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another
pass your forms to the department head once they're filled out
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4
as in enacting
to put into effect through legislative or authoritative action
Congress cannot pass any law restricting free speech
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5
as in happening
to take place
and the destruction of the town came to pass, just as the seer had predicted
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6
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it
a presidential candidate who doesn't yet know how it feels to pass the scrutiny of the national press
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7
as in uttering
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
he'll occasionally pass some insightful comment, but in general he doesn't have much to contribute
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8
as in refusing
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
we appreciate the invitation to the party, but we'll have to pass I'll pass on the coffee
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9
as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the finished product isn't perfect, but it will pass
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Cite this Entry
“Passing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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