stop short

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some of his advisers and supporters urge him to stop short of a change of regime in Tehran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Iranian policymakers have believed the United States would stop short of targeting leaders for fear of escalation but "the Maduro episode complicates that assumption," she wrote.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Paramount’s documents stop short of promising that the Ellisons are “backstopping” the equity portion of the deal, as promised.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

Oddly, some people still stop short of characterizing “Andor” as commentary on fascism, although parallels between the Empire and Adolf Hitler's Third Reich abound.

From Salon • May 7, 2025

He gagged on the last word, and I began to reach for him, only to stop short, afraid my touch would be excruciating.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros