FEND (OFF) Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

fend (off)

verb

Definition of fend (off)

as in to repel

to drive back the herd fended off attacking hyenas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend (off)

Verb

During wetter years, trees are healthier and can more easily repel the beetle with sap.

— Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
The wax repels liquid water but keeps tiny pores, so vapor can still escape.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

And strength to resist reducing complex human challenges to slogans, enemies, or simple answers.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
The new generation of therapeutic peptides is chemically modified to resist breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract, where traditional peptide drugs degrade before they can be absorbed.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Among those rescued was Chinese tourist Weiwei Zhao, who had been trekking with a friend but turned back because of heavy snowfall.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Forty percent of the broad market index is made up of tech stocks, which have surged recently as investors — wary of higher interest rates — turn back to those companies most able to weather any sudden downturn.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

Many of the nation’s most elite institutions have recently turned away from test-blind or test-optional admission policies.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The property can house up to 250 animals, some of which may require specialized care or may have illnesses or specific diseases that would, in most cases, cause them to be euthanized or turned away.

— Rashad Williams, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

But in the end, when Miami needed to the most, the Hurricanes came to life to stave off FSU’s upset bid.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Hillmon, Dream guard Jordin Canada and wing Rhyne Howard hit a layup, a jumper and free throws to stave off the Valkyries’ attack.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of stave off

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fending (off)

fend (off)

fends

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“Fend (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend%20%28off%29. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fend (off)

verb

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