FORFEND Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

forfend

verb

fȯr-ˈfend

Definition of forfend

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from a place of refuge where the settlers could forfend themselves from attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of forfend What’s non-negotiable is that it must be made using a kettle, never — heaven forfend — a microwave. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025 In the United States, instead of building more houses inside the old circle (or, heaven forfend, even closer together and near the places people go), people have built houses even further away. — Adam Rogers, Wired, 30 Dec. 2021 But is Twitter outrage (or, heaven forfend, praise) a useful metric for audience engagement? — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 May 2021 And of course the president says oh, my gosh, heaven forfend that poor Omarosa would have to go. — Fox News, 14 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forfend

Verb

In yet another battle between the states and social media platforms, Florida asked a state judge to order changes on Instagram and Facebook in an effort to protect young users.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Their bid to change their lives turns into a dangerous chase, and the friendship becomes the one thing protecting them.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of protect

Verb

Amid the backlash, the White House has defended the television spots as public service announcements meant to educate voters and promote patriotism.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
In an earlier statement to TMZ, Seaver defended his messages to Nozell, saying they had been taken out of context.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

The administration also is investigating alleged violations of parents’ right to safeguard their children from the collection of private and sensitive information at school.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Never promoting renewable energy or safeguarding us with stronger regulation.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of safeguard

Verb

Legal experts say the industry’s claim to be shielded by federal law is weak.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
The feels-like temperature was 105 degrees, with umpires chugging water between innings and fans shielding their heads with giveaway towels on a cloudless day.

— Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of shield

Verb

The only two Heat players unavailable for Saturday’s exhibition were forward Keshad Johnson (right hamstring strain) and guard Dru Smith (right calf strain).

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
The terms have been kept closely guarded, in large part because competitors would insist on comparable deals.

— Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of guard

Browse Nearby Words

forfeitures

forfend

forfended

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Forfend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forfend. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of forfend

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nexus

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes