beats off

verb

present tense third-person singular of beat off
as in repels
to drive back the defense managed to beat off those offensive players who were taking shots at the goalie

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beats off
  1. repels
  2. turns back
  3. turns away
  4. repulses
  5. resists
Verb
  • While it's best known for triggering playful behavior in cats, researchers have long known the compound also repels insects.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • The strong scent of nasturtiums naturally repels destructive insects, such as cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and whiteflies.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
Definition of repels
Verb
  • An exhibit celebrating the Metro’s rail system turns back time with its vintage 1970s railcar.
    — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
  • Kara talks her out of it, and when Ruthye walks away, Kara turns back to Krem and stabs him multiple times with a sword.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Definition of turns back
Verb
  • The insect naturally turns away when an antenna touches an obstacle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • The bear, seemingly frightened, quickly turns away from the boy and continues running, sliding under a boat parked in the driveway.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of turns away
Verb
  • Sigmund Freud believed that every crush has a strand of disgust, that people are attracted to what repulses them.
    — Daniel Felsenthal, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.
    — Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of repulses
Verb
  • With three pockets to hold essentials, this moisture-wicking pair is lightweight and resists pills, per shoppers.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026
  • The human personality resists easy analysis — that is surely one of Aviv’s takeaways.
    — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of resists
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.

Browse Nearby Words

beats it
beats off
beats one's brains out (about)
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Cite this Entry

“Beats off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beats%20off. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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