as in protecting
to drive danger or attack away from
learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism
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Recent Examples of fending
Those with mobility issues — many of whom were at nursing homes — were left fending for themselves or relying on a group of Pasadena Transit bus drivers.
—
Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
Unhoused and fending for herself After Frye graduated from high school, her mother packed up and moved with the rest of family to Orlando.
—Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
The original monster-fending crew work in newer ways to defend not only their hometown, Hawkins, Indiana, but the entire world as the Upside Down tries to break through, once again.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 28 Nov. 2025
The footage showcases William Franklyn-Mille in the role of Washington, fighting through intense battles in the French and Indian War and fending for himself in tense military meetings.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Fighting off predators, fending for food, and living in rugged terrain with harsh conditions – this was not a means of living for the weak.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Lithuania is fending without Domantas Sabonis, Matas Buzelis, and Kasparas Jakucionas this summer, leaving Denver backup center Jonas Valanciunas as the centerpiece of the roster.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
Tony Saavedra, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026
Unhoused and fending for herself After Frye graduated from high school, her mother packed up and moved with the rest of family to Orlando.
—Miami Herald, 23 Dec. 2025
The original monster-fending crew work in newer ways to defend not only their hometown, Hawkins, Indiana, but the entire world as the Upside Down tries to break through, once again.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 28 Nov. 2025
The footage showcases William Franklyn-Mille in the role of Washington, fighting through intense battles in the French and Indian War and fending for himself in tense military meetings.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Fighting off predators, fending for food, and living in rugged terrain with harsh conditions – this was not a means of living for the weak.
—Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Lithuania is fending without Domantas Sabonis, Matas Buzelis, and Kasparas Jakucionas this summer, leaving Denver backup center Jonas Valanciunas as the centerpiece of the roster.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fending
Verb
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The staff acts as almost a mini-military– serving and protecting this metaphorical anti-war, positive energy force field.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Despite state and local laws restricting law enforcement from assisting immigration enforcement, California and San Diego agencies continue to work with the federal government on task forces aimed at combating cross-border crime and protecting public safety.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Olympics soon will be without Sweden’s defending champion men’s team, which was officially eliminated from semifinal contention on Tuesday after a sixth loss in seven matches in round-robin play.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
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The Riverside native and Santa Monica High graduate went on to win five consecutive fights defending her title and becoming a global superstar along the way.—
Brian Martin,
Oc Register,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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He is known to be a tough-nosed defender capable of guarding four-to-five positions on the court.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Limited rib mobility interferes with the ability to breathe deeply, triggering your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tensing as a guarding mechanism.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Painter questioned whether the administration is releasing files that only implicate Democrats while shielding Republicans.—
Joseph Shapiro,
NPR,
14 Feb. 2026
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Board members have also signed non-disclosure agreements, previously shielding almost all of the process from public view.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Administrator Lee Zeldin said the changes are meant to support electricity grid reliability while safeguarding human health and the environment.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
17 Feb. 2026
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Shock absorbers built into the base of the structure, meanwhile, will be tasked with safeguarding the telescope from the threat posed by earthquake tremors.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fending. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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