as in repels
to drive back
the herd fended off attacking hyenas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fends (off)
Verb
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However, growing strongly scented rosemary plants near brassicas naturally repels many common garden pests, including cabbage moths.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Apr. 2026 -
Rosemary repels damaging pests with its strong scent.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sigmund Freud believed that every crush has a strand of disgust, that people are attracted to what repulses them.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.—
Alexander Nazaryan,
New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Made from extra-durable, knife-friendly material, each board resists moisture, supports hygiene, and stands up to daily wear.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Supporters describe him as a fighter but Harris resists the label of politician.—
Brian Unger,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Hearing the Creature screaming his name, Victor turns back.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Mar. 2026
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Their discussion then turns back to the potential of a romance—and heartbreak—between them.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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More chatting, the camera turns away to shoot some B-roll.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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And this worry usually arises when a dog turns away from food, gets a stomach ache, or loses energy.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 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 Apr. 2026.
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