fend

verb

ˈfend How to pronounce fend (audio)
Definition of fendnext
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 While some owners may assume the birds can simply fend for themselves, wildlife officials say that's often not the case. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 Feral populations spring up as result of these self-sustaining domestic animals fending for themselves. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Iran largely left Hezbollah to fend for itself during much of an earlier 2024 war. — Sam Metz, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Sylvia and Fate quickly become victims of harassment from the Whites, and when another murder is committed in Fervent, the town is left to fend for itself. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend
  1. protect
  2. defend
  3. safeguard
  4. shield
  5. guard
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • This year, Argentina is defending its World Cup title, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of defend
Verb
  • But Canada has plans to launch hundreds of new satellites to safeguard its national sovereignty, reducing reliance on Washington, and the European Union is developing its own network of 290 satellites.
    — Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of safeguard
Verb
  • The Los Angeles Police Department is shielding the identity of the officer who shot and killed a golden Saint Berdoodle last month in Canoga Park, citing threats to the officer’s life.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Georgia has launched a new program aimed at protecting survivors of family and domestic violence by shielding their addresses from abusers, Caleb Groves reports.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • Diving for loose balls, boxing out, guarding whoever Steve Kerr told him to, and occasionally making a basket.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • Chiefs guard Trey Smith is not the only member of his family currently in the NFL, as his sister Ashley has a role in the league office.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of guard

Phrases Containing fend

Browse Nearby Words

fencing (in)
fend
fended
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Cite this Entry

“Fend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fend

Nglish: Translation of fend for Spanish Speakers

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