fended

past tense of fend

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 fended Video captured the bear charging toward Koerwitz, who fended it off with bear spray. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 While his mom was in prison, Young and his older brother, Robert, mostly fended for themselves, often in a home that lacked electricity and running water. Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 Most of the refugees from the region fended for themselves in shanty towns around Baku, despised by the urbanites even as their plight was weaponized. Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 Alternatively, the young might have fended for themselves, similar to lizards. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fended
Verb
  • The 48-year-old just fiercely defended him in a lengthy statement to UsWeekly.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Department of Homeland Security has defended its actions, telling CNN in a statement that those deported received due process and had final orders of removal.
    Mick Krever, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In filings with the New York bankruptcy court overseeing the case, both Spirit’s representatives and the interested bidders say privacy and personal identity will be protected.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
  • From the sprawling stone forts of early American history in the north, to the mangroves of the Everglades and protected reefs of Biscayne to the south, our state is a masterpiece of biodiversity and coastal wonder.
    Lulu Vilas, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And the utilities responsible for the grid have largely responded by asking to be shielded from competition.
    Joshua Macey, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Notably, these duties don't exempt Canadian products under the three-nation trade deal that has shielded most Canadian exports over the last 18 months.
    Desiree Adib, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That could come in handy for Andrews compared with Graham, who has been mostly guarded throughout the Republican primary races.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The location of the family’s new home and the children’s school are being closely guarded.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fended.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fended. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster