as in repels
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 fends (off)
Verb
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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, also known as the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, is a hound with coarse, wiry fur that conveniently repels dirt and does not mat, according to the AKC.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
30 Dec. 2025 -
The oil penetrates the wood to keep it from drying out, while the beeswax adds a gentle protective layer that repels water.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Martha Stewart,
29 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Writer-director Craig Brewer resists the temptation to make Mike and Claire in any way pitiful or worthy of derision.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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Everything is wrapped in a Ceraluminum ceramic finish that resists fingerprints and scratches while feeling premium in hand.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Doing so will ensure your paperwork is processed and ready to go when the spigot turns back on.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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And Keenan Allen turns back the clock.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For instance, with the North Node moving into Aquarius (your eighth house of intimacy) and the South Node in Leo, your focus turns away from clinging to pride and comfort, and toward deeper emotional exchange.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Timothée Chalamet returns alongside Zendaya and Florence Pugh as the film turns away from conquest and toward consequence.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fends (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fends%20%28off%29. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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