as in averted
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
if we act quickly, we may still be able to head off disaster
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Recent Examples of headed off
In Rouen, a small group headed off to the D-Day landing beaches, one of Uniworld’s Masterpiece Collection experiences (available at an additional cost), while in Vernon, a visit to a local cider farm was a hit with passengers.
—
Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Trista and Ryan Sutter celebrated as their son Max wrapped up his high school career and headed off to college.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
With both clubs headed off to European finals, the only real jeopardy in the game came from injuries.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026
After some quality time together on Lake Minnetonka last weekend, members of the Minnesota Wild are headed off in all directions to spend the summer months.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
Though these days, ARod has a little more time on his hands now that his youngest daughter is headed off to college at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
The environmentally responsible growth boundaries, approved by voters in 1990 and renewed in 2006, headed off the threat of development up the slopes of Mount Diablo and on farmland and scenic ridges.
—East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
That’s how, last night, the best golfer most of us have ever seen slinked out of a Florida jail shortly before midnight and headed off into an uncertain future.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Slotkin said her legislation could have headed off that split.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026
Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Trista and Ryan Sutter celebrated as their son Max wrapped up his high school career and headed off to college.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
With both clubs headed off to European finals, the only real jeopardy in the game came from injuries.
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026
After some quality time together on Lake Minnetonka last weekend, members of the Minnesota Wild are headed off in all directions to spend the summer months.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
Though these days, ARod has a little more time on his hands now that his youngest daughter is headed off to college at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
The environmentally responsible growth boundaries, approved by voters in 1990 and renewed in 2006, headed off the threat of development up the slopes of Mount Diablo and on farmland and scenic ridges.
—East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026
That’s how, last night, the best golfer most of us have ever seen slinked out of a Florida jail shortly before midnight and headed off into an uncertain future.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Slotkin said her legislation could have headed off that split.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headed off
Verb
-
The lack of risk-taking has helped keep a lid on financial flows, while supply levers have averted the worst hit to the market.—
Devika Krishna Kumar,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
-
During the crisis, all crews and firefighters could do was spray cool water on the tank, hoping that by cooling it down, tragedy could be averted.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Only victory on penalties for PSG against Arsenal in last Saturday's Champions League final prevented an English clean sweep after wins for Aston Villa and Palace in the Europa League and Europa Conference League.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
Her calls for help procuring a Jell-O shot turned to asking for a ride home, because her medical conditions prevented her from walking home.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Headed off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headed%20off. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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