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
  • Invading enemy troops were repelled once Ukrainian forces began fighting back.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Similarly, in 1990, the United States made no serious effort to deter Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait but then took up arms to repel the attack after the fact.
    Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of repel
Verb
  • Complete with two carry-ons and two checkable bags, each suitcase is outfitted in 100 percent ABS, hardwearing material that resists scratches and dents.
    Alyssa Brascia, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025
  • This Mount Royal Avenue cultural institution resists change (its historic interior was last updated in 1982) and yet bends successfully.
    Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025
Definition of resist
Verb
  • In 2024, both Finland and Poland passed legislation that allows border officials to turn back asylum seekers at their land borders.
    Amy Pope, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
  • It's been a roller coaster for Rodgers, who has looked like a 41-year-old quarterback coming off a serious injury but has shown flashes of turning back the clock.
    Ryan Morik, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025
Definition of turn back
Verb
  • Challenged and Denounced Millions were repulsed by Mr. Le Pen’s statements.
    Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Today, Ukrainian troops repulsed yet another attack by the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade around Pogrebki, the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies reported.
    David Axe, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of repulse
Verb
  • Just as her head was turning away from any future on the NFL field, heartbreak urged her to reassess.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Eizenstat shared the tale of Shirley Vasquez and her children with Carter who requested that his driver turn away from the airport and head to the Bronx.
    Cary Goodman, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2025
Definition of turn away
Verb
  • After wasting a double-digit lead the night before against the Kings, the Heat staved off the Warriors’ second-half comeback attempt on Tuesday.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Boeing raised billions this fall to stave off the crisis.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2025
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 21 Jan. 2025.

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