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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
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Recent Examples of stave off
Some factors — that crime has hit historic lows as Tisch has headed the department and Mamdani’s relative lack of action in the police department — have staved off criticism from moderates.
—
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
The White Sox pitching staff — which essentially employed a bullpen day — was able to stave off the Dodgers’ bats the rest of the way.
—Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
The Davis Joint Unified School District estimated Village Farms would bring more than 1,000 students to Davis schools and could help stave off school closures.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
The measure, placed on the ballot by the county Board of Supervisors, asks voters to support the sales tax increase to help stave off the effects of federal Medi-Cal cuts affecting county healthcare facilities.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
The White Sox pitching staff — which essentially employed a bullpen day — was able to stave off the Dodgers’ bats the rest of the way.
—Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
The Davis Joint Unified School District estimated Village Farms would bring more than 1,000 students to Davis schools and could help stave off school closures.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
The measure, placed on the ballot by the county Board of Supervisors, asks voters to support the sales tax increase to help stave off the effects of federal Medi-Cal cuts affecting county healthcare facilities.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
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The wax and sealant not only restores your chrome wheels’ glossy shine but also protects them by actively repelling brake dust, road salt and other debris.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
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That kind of energy, unfortunately, can repel someone.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Verb
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To prevent renewal, cancel your membership through your Account Page.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 June 2026
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The bill, shared first with CNN, would codify NOAA’s aircraft reconnaissance and research role into law, which could help prevent those responsibilities from being transferred to another agency, like the US Air Force.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Knicks owner Jim Dolan took center stage and couldn't resist taking a shot at the mayor during the team's most joyous moment.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
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Some of Díaz-Canel’s statements were remarkable simply for confirming that Cuban leaders knew their economic policies did not work and yet had resisted reforms.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
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This work, backed by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, aims to elevate early childhood development to a global priority, emphasizing that preventing the loss of vital connections in youth can avert the need for healing later in life.—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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With the team missing significant pieces, Goldschmidt has managed to turn back the clock for a lineup that has otherwise gotten greener with each new injury.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
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Middle Eastern oil wells were largely shut off during the war and could take weeks to ramp up production when turned back on.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
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And the last night before Kimmel heads off on his two-month-long break would not be complete without a Matt Damon sighting.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
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Local outfitters can provide the essentials—just pack your sunscreen and a cooler full of your favorite refreshments before heading off to one of these popular destinations.—
Kelsey Yandura,
Midwest Living,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Washington — The Supreme Court on Monday turned away Judge Pauline Newman's bid to return to service on a federal appeals court after she was suspended from hearing cases due to concerns about her fitness to serve.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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Raul Jiminez came close to a goal for the second time, this time on a cross into the box, but he was once again turned away by a diving Ronwen Williams, who pushed the ball aside.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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