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.
By agreeing to put off the merger for now, Paramount doesn’t have to face a potential courtroom loss over attorneys generals’ longer-term restraining order, for example. — Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 But one bad season at Liverpool will not put off suitors across Europe in the times ahead. — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Many have delayed large home renovations, put off replacing major appliances and looked for practical ways to trim monthly expenses as everyday costs remain elevated. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 29 July 2026 He’s been put off by Rhaenyra but not in any really humiliating way. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 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 6 Aug. 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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