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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Political interference in mergers and acquisitions approvals and daily operations repels foreign investment and damages confidence in market operations.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026 -
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
Verb
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When Bz points north, Earth’s field resists it; when Bz swings south, the two fields connect, allowing plasma to stream in.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Jaime resists Colby at first — not for long, really — after which, their physical interplay is presented with her pleasure as the priority.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
27 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
-
And Keenan Allen turns back the clock.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Amazon will also close 15 of its Amazon Go locations as the company turns away from brick-and-mortar grocery stores to concentrate on online same-day delivery and its Whole Foods Market brand.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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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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Cite this Entry
“Fends (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fends%20%28off%29. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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