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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend (off)

Verb

The wax repels liquid water but keeps tiny pores, so vapor can still escape.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
The law prohibits federal officials from stationing troops or armed personnel at polling places, except when necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.

— TIME Staff, Time, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

But resist the urge to throw every brightening ingredient at the problem.

— Glamour, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026
Attempts to coordinate the different agencies under a central authority to fight organized crime have failed in Congress, where professional associations representing those agencies have resisted anything that would reduce their power.

— MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Tight end Travis Kelce looks like he’s turned back the clock for Kansas City, which is running the ball well.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
An Israeli military official said its fighter jets had turned back before the plane landed at Tabuk.

— Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

The report revealed that 85% of providers in the United States experienced moderate or severe staffing challenges in the past year and 55% have had to turn away people in need of care due to inadequate staffing.

— STAT, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
The plane was told to wait for clearance from the Jordanian military and then turned away.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

Florian Wirtz starred as Germany defeated Serbia 2-0 in Munich for Klopp’s first win at the third attempt — staving off an unwanted record.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2026
Still, SpaceX made adjustments to the vehicle’s engines to try to stave off such problems, so engineers will likely need to pursue further tweaks.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of stave off

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fending (off)

fend (off)

fends

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

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Synonyms of fend (off)

verb

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