as in to protect
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 fend
What could the Pakistani government do to help a people who’d always been left to fend for themselves?
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2026
Those with mobility issues — many of whom were at nursing homes — were left fending for themselves or relying on a group of Pasadena Transit bus drivers.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
While the first 28 Years Later reflects isolationism — the rest of the world leaving Great Britain to fend for itself, and Spike cutting all ties to set off alone — The Bone Temple depicts the danger of tribalism.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
As Foy struggles to fend for herself, she’s granted a miracle—her father returns from the dead to protect her.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fend
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2026
Those with mobility issues — many of whom were at nursing homes — were left fending for themselves or relying on a group of Pasadena Transit bus drivers.
—Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
While the first 28 Years Later reflects isolationism — the rest of the world leaving Great Britain to fend for itself, and Spike cutting all ties to set off alone — The Bone Temple depicts the danger of tribalism.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
As Foy struggles to fend for herself, she’s granted a miracle—her father returns from the dead to protect her.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend
Verb
-
Legal experts say the court records and videos show that the administration is often abusing the law to target activities protected by the First Amendment, rather than using it to defend federal officers.—
Isabelle Chapman,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
In areas within the USDA hardiness zones, a 2 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch will help protect roots and maintain the moisture level in the soil.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Still, a flurry of moves during the summer window made LAFC among the obvious favorites to compete for the league championship, primarily because Son’s influence made Cherundolo’s defend-and-transition tactics lethal.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
To defend these rights, our justices must have expertise, independence, and experience.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Within Disney, D’Amaro is known for his consensus-building style, his mastery of Disney’s distinct culture and for safeguarding its beloved brands.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The case could set a precedent for holding social media companies responsible for dangerous design decisions, after years of tech giants fending off lawsuits under Section 230, the law that shields them from liability for user content.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Because of the site's proximity to the East River, however, the holes needed to be shielded from groundwater in the soil above the bedrock.—
Vanessa Bates Ramirez,
Scientific American,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The other two are occupied by undrafted rookie guards Curtis Jones and Tamar Bates.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Rookie guards Max Shulga and John Tonje, the latter acquired from Utah in the Boucher trade, are Boston’s other two-way players.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
