as in refusing
to show unwillingness to accept, do, engage in, or agree to
I must pass up the offer to be chairman of this event
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Recent Examples of passing up
The Emmys’ producers passing up on even the slightest possibility of a Werner Herzog acceptance speech is sheer lunacy.
—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
20 June 2026
The Supreme Court is staying out of a case about whether the Catholic Church misled parishioners about the purpose of an annual collection, passing up a chance to probe the independence churches have from government interference.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
Simpson was back in Los Angeles for the first time since April 24, the day after the seemingly Super Bowl-ready Rams surprised many by passing up the opportunity to select a receiver to choose an Alabama quarterback with only 15 starts.
—
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
But Belchetz, though imperfect, is a bit of a unicorn that teams will have a tough time passing up on in this range.
—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Charles compared people passing up investing in Amazon to how many publishers turned down the now wildly popular Harry Potter books.
—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Nazem Kadri is passing up shots and sometimes looks uncomfortable gripping his stick right now.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
During the costly possession when the Rebels let the shot clock expire with 41 seconds left, Thienou surprised her coach by passing up a shot while the crowd was roaring and clearly distracting the visitors.
—
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Redick pointed to Luka Doncic’s season-high 15 assists, which were lost in the noise of the Slovenian star passing up a potential game-winning 3-pointer.
—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
27 Feb. 2026
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
20 June 2026
The Supreme Court is staying out of a case about whether the Catholic Church misled parishioners about the purpose of an annual collection, passing up a chance to probe the independence churches have from government interference.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
Simpson was back in Los Angeles for the first time since April 24, the day after the seemingly Super Bowl-ready Rams surprised many by passing up the opportunity to select a receiver to choose an Alabama quarterback with only 15 starts.
—
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
But Belchetz, though imperfect, is a bit of a unicorn that teams will have a tough time passing up on in this range.
—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Charles compared people passing up investing in Amazon to how many publishers turned down the now wildly popular Harry Potter books.
—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Nazem Kadri is passing up shots and sometimes looks uncomfortable gripping his stick right now.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
During the costly possession when the Rebels let the shot clock expire with 41 seconds left, Thienou surprised her coach by passing up a shot while the crowd was roaring and clearly distracting the visitors.
—
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Redick pointed to Luka Doncic’s season-high 15 assists, which were lost in the noise of the Slovenian star passing up a potential game-winning 3-pointer.
—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passing up
Verb
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The lawsuit states that Kuka has singlehandedly caused irreparable harm to Boca View by refusing to abide by Florida law and the association’s own bylaws in order to further her self-serving agenda.
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While his blunt and disruptive approach can alienate others, the character illustrates that disruptive leaders often accelerate innovation by asking questions and refusing to accept the status quo.
Verb
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As with any tax relief company, there are complaints about the IRS rejecting a settlement or the company not getting enough relief.
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Florida leads the nation with 375 active 287(g) agreements, and Attorney General James Uthmeier has previously threatened officials in Fort Myers and Key West with removal from office for rejecting such deals.
Verb
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After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
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The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
Verb
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Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys said the city has spent four years turning down redevelopment offers for Palmetto Research Park in an effort to hold the property for higher-wage employers.
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Value your time by turning down unpaid tasks.
Verb
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Anthony had a cortisone shot last week and had begun throwing over the weekend.
-
Next, a gentle tip-tap rippling through major East Coast cities, as the girls collectively add to cart whatever Holmes is toting or throwing over her shoulders.
Verb
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An earlier decision from the court throwing out Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act came early enough that some red states were able to scramble and redraw congressional district lines to further favor Republicans.
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Greg Abel celebrates after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the Iowa Cubs played the Buffalo Bisons on June 25, 2026.
Cite this Entry
“Passing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passing%20up. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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