FENDED Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

fended

verb

past tense of fend

as in defended

to drive danger or attack away from learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 fended Video captured the bear charging toward Koerwitz, who fended it off with bear spray. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 While his mom was in prison, Young and his older brother, Robert, mostly fended for themselves, often in a home that lacked electricity and running water. — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 Most of the refugees from the region fended for themselves in shanty towns around Baku, despised by the urbanites even as their plight was weaponized. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 Alternatively, the young might have fended for themselves, similar to lizards. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fended

Verb

Coryell also denied Qualls’ claim and defended Rankin in a statement.

— Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Rees-Mogg defended Britain’s decision to enter the war, arguing that the country’s victory over Nazi Germany preserved its sovereignty and prevented Hitler from continuing to expand across Europe.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of defended

Verb

The Roadless Rule was adopted in 2001 after years of public debate over how much of the country’s remaining undeveloped national forest land should be protected from roads and commercial development.

— Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
According to one poll, 30 percent of women feel unsafe, not protected.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of protected

Verb

Angel Carrasco, 31, is accused of killing 23-year-old Nathaly Ramirez, who somehow held onto and shielded her 8-month-old daughter just enough that the infant survived the plunge.

— Theodore Parisienne, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
They were set up in nondescript suburban homes, often shielded by hedges or fences.

— Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of shielded

Verb

Looking sharp Christie said Acuff’s elite offensive skillset is getting ever stronger because he is often guarded by rookie second-round draft pick Emanuel Sharpe in practice.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Williams, Thybulle, second-year forward Adou Thiero and guard Quentin Grimes were among the players who guarded the ball full court.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026