as in turning back
to drive back
the herd fended off attacking hyenas
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fending (off)
Verb
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Chubb said the majority of investors will keep turning back to what has been the driver of the bull run since late 2022.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026 -
Trains are turning back at Pearl/Arts District, Deep Ellum, Victory and EBJ Union stations.—
CBS Texas Staff,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There has been some press of late suggesting that studios are turning away from A-list festivals.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2026
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Whether this is a PR play or a first attempt at re-engaging with retailers after turning away from them five years ago remains to be seen.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tristan Jarry got his first start of the series, repelling 34 pucks.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
27 Apr. 2026
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Root-knot nematodes are one of the biggest pest problems for eggplants, and marigolds' strong smell is excellent for repelling nematodes.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While there are dismemberments and other bits of gruesome violence to be found in the film, Badlands is largely aimed at endearing its audience rather than repulsing them.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Miami-Dade prosecutors dismissed two stalking and resisting arrest charges against Hollis on Thursday.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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Nine teens, ages 13 to 16 were arrested, some of them on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting law enforcement.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The dogs had driven the woman into the surf before a tourist came to her rescue, beating off the dingoes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The link between flossing and disease prevention On top of staving off periodontal disease, research shows that regular flossing is associated with reduced risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2026
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Kansas City voters overwhelmingly renewed the city’s 1% earnings tax on Tuesday, maintaining a critical funding source for city services and unmistakably staving off concerns that the city’s budget could be thrown into disarray.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fending (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fending%20%28off%29. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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