call off

verb

called off; calling off; calls off
Synonyms of call offnext

transitive verb

1
: to draw away : divert
2
: cancel

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.
Amid backlash from the community, the plan was called off in March. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Dec. 2025 Noem’s office told The Hill the secretary found out the meeting had been called off after leaving the witness table. Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025 Family members said on that same day that Russell had died and that searches for her were being called off. Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025 But, as the 10 minutes expired, the search was called off. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Call off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20off. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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