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.
However, Bonta called off the meeting at the last minute accusing the studio of leaking information about their settlement discussions. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 In recent days, The New York Times reported Paramount and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the charge against the tie-up, would begin preliminary settlement talks — which were then swiftly called off, according to the paper. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 The mission to save NASA’s sinking Swift Observatory has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year. — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The relationship began months after Sweeney called off her engagement to film producer Jonathan Davino in March 2025. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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