Synonyms of fend

fend

verb

ˈfend 

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from

learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

• protect
• defend
• safeguard
• shield
• guard
• keep
• fence
• secure
• prevent
• ward
• save
• cover
• bulwark
• forfend
• avert
• resist
• withstand
• screen
• preserve
• stand up for
• oppose
• conserve
• fight
• war
• contend
• picket
• battle
• wall
• buffer
• palisade

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attack
• assault
• assail
• beset
• overrun
• submit
• cave
• bombard
• yield
• storm
• besiege
• capitulate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fend

The caller told dispatch that the animals’ owner had left Texas weeks prior, hadn’t returned and left the dogs to fend for themselves. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

So Hal, while driving a car with John in the passenger seat, abruptly jumps out, sending the vehicle off a cliff and forcing John to grab the ring and fend for himself. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 24 July 2026

In Villahermosa, dozens slept on the streets or in shelters, left to fend for themselves. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Each state has been left to fend for itself, a legal patchwork that’s allowing Tesla to push forward despite safety concerns. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 July 2026

Phrases Containing fend

• fend (off)
• fend for oneself