stave off

verb

Definition of stave offnext
1
as in to repel
to drive back managed to stave off the invaders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance the quartermaster staved off a shortage by requisitioning more than enough supplies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of stave off National reporters, big GOP donors and the president himself have descended on Kansas as Republicans seek to stave off Hamilton’s challenge. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 At just 28 years old, and only 20 months removed from being named the Super Bowl MVP, Jalen Hurts is now on blood thinners to stave off what – without them – could be life-threatening blood clots in his lungs. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026 But in the end, when Miami needed to the most, the Hurricanes came to life to stave off FSU’s upset bid. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026 Hillmon, Dream guard Jordin Canada and wing Rhyne Howard hit a layup, a jumper and free throws to stave off the Valkyries’ attack. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
  1. repel
  2. prevent
  3. resist
  4. avert
  5. turn back
  6. head off
  7. turn away
  8. repulse
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
  • Riyadh said the discussions were aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open and preventing another escalation in hostilities.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Such a concentration of power could prevent the effective maintenance of checks and balances on policy decisions by institutions.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of prevent
Verb
  • Start by resisting the urge to overpromise, and give customers credit.
    — Chris Koehler, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • California and other states resisted those efforts, noting concerns about the accuracy of the data on SAVE.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • Digger, joined by his earnest and exasperated head of environmental safety and security, Nirav Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), heads to Europe to try to avert an unprecedented environmental disaster.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Jackson averted a suspension ahead of this season when authorities declined to file formal criminal charges after he was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of avert
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
  • Stern invited me to tour its offices and factory floor before heading off to the convention in nearby Schaumburg, Illinois.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The goal is to detect and head off an infestation of the invasive insect next year, county officials said.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of head off
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
  • Her widowed aunt plays chaperone as Susanna attends heady lectures and repulses her many suitors.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Young people just aren’t interested, partly because they’re repulsed by bodily fluids.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of repulse

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staved off
stave off
staves off
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Cite this Entry

“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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