ward off

verb

warded off; warding off; wards off
Synonyms of ward offnext
: to avoid being hit by (something)
ward off a blow
—often used figuratively
I tried different remedies to ward off a cold.

Examples of ward off in a Sentence

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.
The aim is to prevent the level of pensions from falling and ward off the need for a big, long-term increase of the levy employees pay into the pension system. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 That left the city to step in, with a Woodlawn protection ordinance designed to ward off runaway gentrification. — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 Get ready to go do a folk dance to ward off the creature from the black lagoon in Universal Studios’ Eggersland someday. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Players might also take scissors to their socks as a solution to ward off cramping or reduce muscle strains and fatigue during a grueling 90-minute game. — Alex Connor, USA Today, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ward off

Rhymes for ward off

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Browse Nearby Words

wardmote
ward off
war dog
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Cite this Entry

“Ward off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ward off

Nglish: Translation of ward off for Spanish Speakers

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