pass up

verb

passed up; passing up; passes up

transitive verb

: to let go by without accepting or taking advantage of
pass up a chance for promotion
also : decline, reject

Examples of pass up in a Sentence

I must pass up the offer to be chairman of this event.
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.
There were questions about whether Houston would be willing to part ways with its promising young core, but the chance to land a former MVP like Durant was simply too good to pass up. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 But act fast — Amazon’s outlet deals aren’t guaranteed to last, and these markdowns are too good to pass up. Clara McMahon, People.com, 21 June 2025 But the chance at getting a dynamic offensive player for a couple of million dollars is an opportunity that few playoff teams can afford to pass up. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Billy Horschel, ranked 26th, who had hip surgery, had to pass up the tournament this year and sent a note to Bessette. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pass up

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pass up was in 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pass up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pass%20up. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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