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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 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 Tolerating Chinese regional hegemony would throw East Asian allies under the bus, and disengaging from the Middle East would leave Israel to fend for itself. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 Accredited schools are required to either provide clinical placements or help students find them, but many skate by doing the bare minimum, leaving students to fend for themselves. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 24 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
  • These dangerous illnesses are all completely preventable and serve as a reminder of the importance of proper vaccines to protect the health of our families and children.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Numbers can protect a relationship from unnecessary confusion.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • An official of Congo's ruling party UDPS, Marie-Célestin Karondwa, was attacked by unknown suspects Sunday for defending the government's measures against Ebola on a radio program and was in critical condition, according to the UDPS.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The state attorneys general likewise defended the deal, including the five-year term.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of defend
Verb
  • Growing workplace automation prompted Kia Corp’s labor union to request a dedicated body to safeguard labor rights in the AI era.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Their attention naturally turns to succession, ownership, governance, investment performance and the countless decisions required to safeguard what previous generations have built.
    — Walid Chiniara, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of safeguard
Verb
  • The janitor squinted into the distance, shielding her eyes from the sun with a hand.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Charli donned a tight LBD with fishnet tights, platform heels, and shield shades.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of shield
Verb
  • Rashee Rice has 71 receiving yards save for his 31-yard uncontested catch-and-run while the Colts were guarding the end zone and letting the clock expire.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Those plays are easy to guard and yards after the catch are low.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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