as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from
learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fend
Eventually, Brown retreated to the locker room, leaving the Celtics to fend for themselves against an ignited Wembanyama.
—
Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Article continues below Unfortunately, a passing asteroid deposits a killer alien robot in their midst, and the soldiers must fend for themselves as this marauding mech stalks them with guns and lasers blazing.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Oklahoma City was fending without centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, but Williams — a third-string big good enough to start on at least a handful of teams — killed Denver with his spacing.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
The story follows a group of young schoolboys who, after a deadly plane crash, become stranded on a tropical island with no adults and have to fend for themselves.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fend
Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Article continues below Unfortunately, a passing asteroid deposits a killer alien robot in their midst, and the soldiers must fend for themselves as this marauding mech stalks them with guns and lasers blazing.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Oklahoma City was fending without centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, but Williams — a third-string big good enough to start on at least a handful of teams — killed Denver with his spacing.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
The story follows a group of young schoolboys who, after a deadly plane crash, become stranded on a tropical island with no adults and have to fend for themselves.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend
Verb
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Ultimately, a lack of Democratic support for weakening the filibuster prevented them from passing that legislation, but Republicans were also vehemently opposed and leaned on arguments about protecting states’ rights.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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In May, the state attorney general's office will return to court to seek a judge's order that the company makes changes to its systems to protect children.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At present, as America's military aggression and assault continue with full force, all our efforts and resources are devoted to defending Iran's very existence.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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During the 2002 World Cup, fans across Africa celebrated Senegal’s upset victory over defending champion France, its former colonizer, as a symbol of liberation.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
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The Panthers have safeguarded the depth at the position by bringing back Franks, a special teams ace, and Mitchell.—
Mike Kaye
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though China says its energy independence shields it from the worst of the crisis, experts say the knock-on effects could be huge for the world’s second-biggest economy as its largest markets are forced to cut down on Chinese imports.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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Inspector Jeremy Scheublin, 45, was stripped of his gun and shield on Wednesday, according to the NYPD and internal police records reviewed by the Daily News.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Adebayo found a rhythm in the second half, scoring 15 points in the final two quarters while being guarded by reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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At the turn of the twentieth century, perfumery was widely regarded as a European inheritance—guarded by Paris and Grasse, shaped by centuries of ritual and refinement.—
Sudhir Gupta,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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