put off

verb

put off; putting off; puts off
Synonyms of put offnext

transitive verb

1
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

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.
Shane had put off telling his parents about being gay or loving his archrival. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 26 Dec. 2025 Zelenskyy's five-year term was scheduled to end in May 2024, but elections were put off due to Russia's invasion. Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 2025 Aging parents often put off talking with their adult children about money – and power of attorney, and medical directives and all the other issues that arise toward the end of life. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025 Messi was given trophy at opening of his first Messi Cup youth tournament, the announcement put off to include the kids. Greg Cote december 14, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Put off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20off. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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