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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The three governments have turned to Russia as a major security ally after turning back from Western allies.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026 -
With an eye on climate goals, countries are turning back to nuclear energy to meet their energy demands without releasing carbon into the atmosphere.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Fracturing politics So far, Britain’s increasingly fractured political landscape has benefited Reform UK, as people have felt increasingly confident turning away from the country’s two major parties – Labour and the Conservatives.—
Katie Marie Davies,
Christian Science Monitor,
18 June 2026
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Officers doubled over coughing after turning away from the smoke.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The wax and sealant not only restores your chrome wheels’ glossy shine but also protects them by actively repelling brake dust, road salt and other debris.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
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Lavender Thanks to its strong, aromatic scent, lavender is effective at repelling mosquitoes and flies.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
13 June 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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These stunning, resilient shrub roses are bred to thrive in heat and humidity, resisting related diseases.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 June 2026
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He was arrested for arson, resisting/delaying/obstructing firefighters, and parole hold.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
21 June 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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Pavers or concrete designed to mimic natural stone slabs visually break up the surface, staving off parking lot connotations.—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
21 May 2026
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His last adventure involved him staving off a multiversal crisis by making everyone in the world forget him, including his best friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon).—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 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 23 Jun. 2026.
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