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.
She was put off by changes in the industry such as the profusion of video-only auditions. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 Among life’s great procrastinations, putting off making a will seems to top insignificant things like delaying cleaning the house or starting a homework assignment. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 Mahomes on Wednesday accidentally got Chiefs fans excited about Kelce putting off retirement and returning for one more season. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026 The red-hot Columbus Blue Jackets, for example, intentionally put off getting down to business with a group of pending unrestricted free agents that includes captain Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment ahead of the break. Chris Johnston, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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