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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend (off)

Verb

Earlier Friday, the Ukrainian military's General Staff reported repelling 24 Russian assaults near Kostyantynivka and other settlements.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Body on the line 💪 But that was not the Wan-Bissaka who repelled Rashford’s attacking threat as England toiled at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

Under owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have resisted rebuilding, preferring to add lower-tier free agents and rush college players to the major leagues in an effort to field a competitive roster.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times?

— Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

The conversation turned back to what has changed in how distribution has evolved internationally, due to streaming.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 6 July 2026
There was no immediate explanation for the ships that turned back on Friday and Saturday, though Iran has repeatedly said that vessels should only transit the strait through the route designated and authorized by the Islamic Republic.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Spearmint and peppermint plants are particularly effective insect repellents, but many other plants in the mint family can also be used to repulse flies, including pennyroyal and lemon balm.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026

Definition of repulse

Verb

In fact, the pursuit of a truly American design style—one that turns away from imitation and toward exploration—has been a focus for architects since this country was founded.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 4 July 2026
Another gives the president the power to turn away refugees seeking asylum at the border.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

Gold Bond recently released its Refreshing Hand Creams, a collection of four lightly scented, ultra-hydrating hand creams that stave off scaly, flaky hands without leaving behind a greasy residue.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 July 2026
The better ballclubs pull out of slumps before the Padres finally did so Sunday, pulling off a 5-2 road victory against the Dodgers that staved off a four-game sweep and halted an eight-game skid.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026

Definition of stave off

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fending (off)

fend (off)

fends

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Style

“Fend (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend%20%28off%29. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fend (off)

verb

Example Sentences

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