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 Moments later, Gary Harris picked off Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell for a key steal and easy layup. Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025 Matt Boldy picked off a Sidney Crosby pass to initiate a two-on-one rush for Larkin and Miller. Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 According to Pro Football Focus, Williams allowed a quarterback rating of only 29.6 while in zone coverage, along with picking off four passes. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 One of 2024's most disturbing horror films sees pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) struggle to maintain her superstar career as her friends and family are picked off by a demonic force that feeds on trauma - and makes people kill themselves in obscenely violent ways. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pick off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pick off
Verb
  • There were 10 rockets in total, and Israeli forces only intercepted half.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In the early evening of March 23, authorities intercepted two more migrant smuggling vessels, the first near the jetty in Mission Beach and the second several miles off the coast.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There was not a vast gulf between the teams on Saturday but Wolves had the edge in terms of quality, none more so than substitute Pablo Sarabia, who stepped off the bench to grab a goal and an assist with an ice-cool finish and a clever pass for Strand Larsen.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Roberts grabbed eight boards vs. Gonzaga in the round of 32, 12 vs. Purdue in the Sweet 16 and 12 more vs. Duke in the Final Four.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The current junta similarly blocked relief in 2023 after Cyclone Mocha, denying visas to aid workers and holding up aid packages in customs.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Nine House Republicans voted against House Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to block proxy voting for new parents on Tuesday.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 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 15 Apr. 2025.

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