as in protecting
to drive danger or attack away from
learned to use humor to fend herself from criticism
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Example Sentences
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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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Even with the long-term shift toward electoral democracy intact, the setback shows the importance of protecting political liberty during emergencies.—
Chelsea Follett,
Oc Register,
1 Feb. 2026
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As the border fence rises, some say California state officials should be leading the charge on protecting local wildlife — and so far have not.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The toughest matchup in the district is unquestionably Arlington Bowie, a defending district champion.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Feb. 2026
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Boswell is the defending 6A Division II state champion and the Carroll girls rank sixth in the state among Class 6A teams.—
Myah Taylor,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mercury is in your sign, squaring breakthrough Uranus in your 4th House of Roots, challenging you to consider new ideas while guarding your foundations.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
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But the Lakers need someone who can start halves guarding the point of attack.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Georgia would go from currently shielding $5,000 in home value from taxation to $150,000 in 2031 before abolishing most homeowner property taxes in 2032.—
Jeff Amy,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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Another part of me thinks that shielding him from the consequences would teach him that someone will always clean up his messes.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Within Disney, D’Amaro is known for his consensus-building style, his mastery of Disney’s distinct culture and for safeguarding its beloved brands.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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The Superior Court of California plays an important role in safeguarding children under its jurisdiction.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fending. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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