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 After being registered upon arrival, many deportees were left to fend for themselves, and did not know what to do or where to go next. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026 Neither was capable of providing for citizens made desperate by endless war and endemic poverty, who were often left to fend for themselves. — Kareem Fahim, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 In order to test him during his childhood, his parents do everything from shooting an apple off his head to leaving him stranded in a dangerous part of town, forcing John to fend for himself. — Matt Minton, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 The announcement is the latest fallout from the botched handling of the calls on July 27 that left the elderly woman fending for herself against her attacker for more than three hours. — David Clarey, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend
  1. protect
  2. defend
  3. safeguard
  4. shield
  5. guard
Verb
  • Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The 100 percent polyester fabric is light, yet durable enough to protect you from unpredictable autumn weather.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • The official also said developing different weapon systems was increasingly urgent, arguing that the country’s armed forces needed to defend national security and deter external threats.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Moon’s square to Uranus favors responding to the new situation instead of defending the original promise.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of defend
Verb
  • Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen argues the city needs to join with other municipalities to help change or repeal the Live Local Act in an effort to safeguard their communities.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Her proposal calls for abolishing multiple government agencies that are critical to safeguarding our national security without providing definitive alternatives that would ensure their missions continue.
    — Daniel Delgado, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of safeguard
Verb
  • Then there’s his mysterious deal for Venezuelan oil, which appears to have been crafted to shield the details from public scrutiny.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Hundreds of protesters shielding the tent camp were dispersed by police using shields and some baton charges, the Reuters news agency reported.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • Tempers seemed to flare between Flemings and Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In Serbia, armed police could be seen guarding the bank's offices in Belgrade after dozens of customers stood in long lines over the weekend trying to withdraw their savings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of guard

Phrases Containing fend

Browse Nearby Words

fencing (in)
fend
fended
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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