FEND (OFF) Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

fend (off)

verb

Definition of fend (off)

as in to repel

to drive back the herd fended off attacking hyenas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend (off)

Verb

Federal law prohibits armed federal agents from conducting activities in and around polling places unless force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
The patent-pending fabric technology delivers the comfort and insulation of traditional sherpa while actively repelling hay, straw, mulch and grass from clinging to the high-pile fleece.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

The fall 2026 collection from Taller Marmo turned back the clock with its designs, creating dresses and gowns inspired by film noir, Old Hollywood glamour and 1920s evening wear, a fit for her club-crooner aesthetic.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
The clocks haven’t turned back yet, but the mood shift is already underway.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

He got stuffed by double-team blocks and turned away by larger Toronto wings, who manhandled the slighter forward in his attempts to create downhill momentum.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Cook, meanwhile, turned away from electronics toward acoustic instruments, taking inspiration from Nick Drake, Bert Jansch and the Incredible String Band.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

Atlanta will now try to stave off elimination at home Thursday in Game 6 and force a deciding Game 7 back at Chase Center on Saturday.

— Janie McCauley, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Kalen DeBoer's program staved off its first three-game losing streak since 2007, Nick Saban's first season as coach.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

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.

Browse Nearby Words

fending (off)

fend (off)

fends

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fend (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend%20%28off%29. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of fend (off)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes