pick off

as in to intercept
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course picked off more passes than any other player in the division

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pick off Reinhart anticipated the pass, picked off the puck below the goal line and went low to high to Thomas Harley at the left point. Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 Black was feisty on the defensive end, picking off passes and pushing the pace the other direction. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025 Instead, veteran guard Gary Harris picked off the pass, went the other direction and dropped the ball to a trailing Paolo Banchero, who slammed it on a full head of steam. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025 Hezbollah’s leadership appeared to have no sense of how deeply Israeli intelligence had penetrated its ranks, booby-trapping the group’s pagers and walkie-talkies and picking off its senior commanders, culminating in the assassination of its secretary-general of 32 years, Hassan Nasrallah. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pick off
Verb
  • Walking to the front of the funeral parlor, I was intercepted by Donna, Bill and Mary Kay, children of Dan Whitters, my late father’s close friend who had married his cousin Betty.
    David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Different types of systems are suited to intercepting various types of incoming threats, from slow-moving explosive drones to hypersonic missiles.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, block unwanted calls and messages and refuse to provide financial information in response to an unexpected request.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In contrast, saucer feeders allow the hummingbird to use its long tongue, as long as bees don’t enter and block the ports.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pick off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pick%20off. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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