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

Gibson was convicted of unlawful gun possession and misdemeanor resisting arrest for not exiting the elevator, but the jury acquitted him of felony resisting arrest.

— Senior Editor, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
However, experts on military law said Hasan could choose to resist execution and file a habeas petition in civilian court, which could significantly delay the execution.

— Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 8 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

Online video shows Prescott looking back at the man — who was there as a transportation service driver — while still walking, then turning away.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Time will tell whether Gen Z keeps turning away from higher education, but the truth is that the traditionally-aged students who do enroll are also arriving with a wider range of needs than ever before.

— Ruth Bauer, Fortune, 8 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fend (off)

verb

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