pull off

verb

pulled off; pulling off; pulls off

transitive verb

: to carry out despite difficulties : accomplish successfully against odds
the team pulled off an upset

Examples of pull off in a Sentence

the rebel forces pulled off a surprisingly successful offensive against the better equipped government troops
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.
In 2023, Uganda pulled off one of the biggest shocks in AfroBasket by defeating Senegal 85–83, establishing themselves as a threat in the tournament. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 The first sequel, 2022’s The Way of Water, charted as the third-highest-grossing movie of all time (with $2.3 billion), beating expectations and silencing doubters that the Oscar winner could pull off another Avatar blockbuster. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025 Lockhart has managed to pull off a rare feat for a historic barbecue town: Its scene has actually expanded in recent years. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 23 July 2025 Any shoes that made this list checked off all of our experts’ must-haves, with reputations for being comfy enough for long distances, but efficient enough to pull off speedy rides. Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pull off

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pull off was in 1883

Cite this Entry

“Pull off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pull%20off. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pull off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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