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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Key Takeaways Mosquitoes are repelled by plants with strong scents, including citronella grass.
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At the heart of the battle will be Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and his fleet, fighting to repel the offensive led by Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) and the forces of the Triarchy.
Verb
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Nejat argues that his experience with Miller and his termination could have been prevented with the protection of a union.
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Segregation laws prevented Black students from integrating into Euless schools in 1950.
Verb
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The Ground Above, her follow-up to 2022’s Weather Alive, resists the tacit assumption that an artist’s catalogue should walk a straight line.
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Ask for the dressing on the side, or resist ordering the extra ranch dip or heavily marinated meat.
Verb
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The author's experience shows caution, though slower, averts problems, contrasting with industry's rapid deployments that often encounter issues.
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The deal averts a ballot referendum that backers from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said would’ve reigned in expansive local real estate taxes.
Verb
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Lionel Messi is turning back the clock and adding to the record books again.
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Climbing parties on the Normal Route had turned back earlier in the day.
Verb
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Reserving Lounge Chairs Planning to wake up early and claim lounge chairs in a prime location on the pool deck with your towels and personal belongings—and then head off to the fitness center, breakfast and to a cupcake decorating demonstration before making your way back to actually use them?
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Last week—after years of speculation—it was finally announced that Prince George will head off to Eton College in September.
Verb
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The 20-second clip concluded with Lacob turning away from Dunleavy and throwing up his arms in apparent exasperation.
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In the fifth minute of extra time Messi got deep into the box and his first shot was initially turned away by an Austrian defender.
Verb
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Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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