as in refused
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
I must pass up the offer to be chairman of this event
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 passed up
That play effectively started once defender Tim Ream tracked down a goal kick near the half-line, then passed up to Tyler Adams for a nonchalant back-heel pass to Tillman.
—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
Stein passed up the lucrative life of corporate law and instead devoted himself to public service.
—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2026
Flea markets offer one-of-a-kind finds that are hard to replace if passed up.
—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
25 June 2026
No matter where the ball was kicked or passed up and down the field, even after the Saudi’s surprise first half goal, many eyes were on the refs.
—
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
But because the Marlins, who played at the Miami Gardens stadium at the time, would be playing regular-season games that coincided with the summer tournament, Miami was passed up in favor of Orlando.
—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Most general manager candidates cannot afford to be picky, especially those on the older end of the spectrum who have been passed up for previous jobs.
—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Origin In 1976 Mattel passed up the opportunity to become the exclusive producer of Star Wars toys, which went on to become multimillion-dollar bestsellers.
—
Sanat Pai Raikarall,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
4 May 2026
The team passed up Oregon’s Dillon Thienemen for Freeling in the first round, and Morgan decided to wait until the fifth round to dial up a safety for selection.
—
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
Stein passed up the lucrative life of corporate law and instead devoted himself to public service.
—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2026
Flea markets offer one-of-a-kind finds that are hard to replace if passed up.
—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
25 June 2026
No matter where the ball was kicked or passed up and down the field, even after the Saudi’s surprise first half goal, many eyes were on the refs.
—
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
But because the Marlins, who played at the Miami Gardens stadium at the time, would be playing regular-season games that coincided with the summer tournament, Miami was passed up in favor of Orlando.
—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Most general manager candidates cannot afford to be picky, especially those on the older end of the spectrum who have been passed up for previous jobs.
—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Origin In 1976 Mattel passed up the opportunity to become the exclusive producer of Star Wars toys, which went on to become multimillion-dollar bestsellers.
—
Sanat Pai Raikarall,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
4 May 2026
The team passed up Oregon’s Dillon Thienemen for Freeling in the first round, and Morgan decided to wait until the fifth round to dial up a safety for selection.
—
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passed up
Verb
-
He's refused to sign the bipartisan legislation until Congress passes a voting restrictions bill called the SAVE America Act.
-
But both Mamdani and his police commissioner have repeatedly refused to discuss the nature of the event — angering some nearby business owners and raising questions about the use of public resources to cover private security.
Verb
-
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors rejected those findings.
-
In May, the EEOC filed a discrimination lawsuit against the New York Times alleging discrimination against a white male employee, which the Times has rejected as politically motivated.
Verb
-
The location for the bronze statue on the Wimbledon grounds hasn't been announced and Williams-Ellis declined to offer specifics about the pose.
-
In doing so, Valdez, like fellow successful DSA New York Congressional candidate Avila Chevalier, declined to endorse Jeffries as minority leader or even Speaker if the Democrats take back the House.
Verb
-
Murillo, and another judge who previously heard the case, turned down all of the consumer group’s arguments in separate rulings, the last of which Murillo issued Tuesday night.
-
The Athletic reported in June an offer around £20million had been rejected, but this new proposal will also be turned down.
Verb
-
Stationed at third base with another runner at first base and no outs in the eighth inning, Alcántara ran halfway toward home plate when Bregman hit a line drive at Giants first baseman Rafael Devers, who immediately threw over to third base for the double play.
-
That kid threw over-powering heat, but not nearly like this ox.
Verb
-
Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
-
Marc Cucurella, on the left side of the box, passed in the middle to Mikel Oyarzabal.
Verb
-
Their food might be the first mention in Talat’s many accolades, but their bar program can’t be ignored.
-
Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
Cite this Entry
“Passed up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passed%20up. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
