fend (off)

verb

Definition of fend (off)next
as in to repel
to drive back the herd fended off attacking hyenas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend (off)
  1. repel
  2. resist
  3. turn back
  4. repulse
  5. turn away
  6. stave off
Verb
  • Russian counteroffensives, while successful in halting Ukraine's advances and pushing its soldiers out of the territory gained in the first few weeks, have so far failed to entirely repel Kyiv back to its borders.
    Hugh Cameron, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
  • The backpack repelled water, gave me easy access to my umbrella, and kept all my valuables dry.
    Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of repel
Verb
  • Amazon has consistently resisted unionization efforts, arguing that many of the workers involved—particularly delivery drivers—are not its employees but rather work for third-party Delivery Service Partners.
    Amir Daftari, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
  • In most cases, though, the owner can – and should – resist the request.
    Joshua Stein, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of resist
Verb
  • It's been exciting to watch IU's Cinderella season, but even Cinderella's coach turned back into a pumpkin.
    Justin L. Mack, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
  • On Wednesday, as police announced that the school had been turned back over to Abundant Life, the victims in the shooting were identified by authorities as well.
    John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
Definition of turn back
Verb
  • Dexter is repulsed by the whole scene, and really who can blame him?
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Next to this official discourse, several Russian security experts have even promoted the idea of launching a preemptive strike to repulse a knockout of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
    Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2023
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • Bogus customers can be turned away while new ones can get on with trading without unnecessary checks being put in their way.
    David Prosser, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Finally the 23-year-old turns away from the wall and begins to cry.
    Claire Harbage, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024
Definition of turn away
Verb
  • Users rave about its acne-quelling benefits—limiting excess oils and staving off stubborn breakouts.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The Treasury Department will likely implement extraordinary measures to stave off a default in the new year.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of stave off
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near fend (off)

fending (off)

fend (off)

fends

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Cite this Entry

“Fend (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend%20%28off%29. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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