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as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
the quartermaster staved off a shortage by requisitioning more than enough supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stave off
That spending staved off a recession at the cost of overheating the economy, contributing to the inflation that still plagues Americans.
—
Matt Peterson, CNBC, 27 May 2026
In Game 5 of the 2021 NLCS, Taylor had a game for the ages, smacking three home runs against the Atlanta Braves to help stave off elimination (for at least one more day).
—Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
But the team could not shut the door on the Stags (35-14), who staved off elimination and delayed an early claim to a coveted berth in the College World Series, which begins May 28 at Classic Park in Eastlake, Ohio.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
The author and journalist, 72, filed the lawsuit against the first lady, 56, last fall in an attempt to stave off her own $1 billion lawsuit over his statements about her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, according to Fox News and the Associated Press.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Matt Peterson, CNBC, 27 May 2026
In Game 5 of the 2021 NLCS, Taylor had a game for the ages, smacking three home runs against the Atlanta Braves to help stave off elimination (for at least one more day).
—Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
But the team could not shut the door on the Stags (35-14), who staved off elimination and delayed an early claim to a coveted berth in the College World Series, which begins May 28 at Classic Park in Eastlake, Ohio.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
The author and journalist, 72, filed the lawsuit against the first lady, 56, last fall in an attempt to stave off her own $1 billion lawsuit over his statements about her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, according to Fox News and the Associated Press.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
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Through smart positioning and tactical moves (plus powers) used at the right times, the goal is to either annihilate or repel the enemy forces.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
2 June 2026
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Several residents hailing from Kansas City to Buckner attended a Monday public hearing of the Jackson County Legislature to share their perspectives on whether the county should welcome or repel future data center and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sites.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The shower head and bath fittings were gold plated and a glass door fit snugly between the edge of the bathtub and the shower to prevent water from spilling out everywhere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
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Goldman later cited a Manhattan federal district judge's late May ruling preventing ICE from arresting people attending immigration court during routine, mandatory check-ins.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Verb
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The more such institutions can resist integrating AI tools into every aspect of their operations, and instead incentivize human intellectual engagement even at the expense of efficiency, the better as far as patience is concerned.—
Christian B. Miller,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
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Specifically designed to be built quickly and efficiently, all walls are interconnected, and each structural element resists both wind and gravity loads.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Concerns about TikTok Four months after the US averted a TikTok ban, some lawmakers say Americans still don’t have enough information about whether the deal addresses national security concerns.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
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Tran reiterated his call for state and federal investigation and accountability once the crisis has been averted.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
27 May 2026
Verb
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For two nights, Mister A’s is turning back the clock to the mid-1960s for a special prix-fixe meal.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2026
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Pagano teased re-entering the ring, only to turn back around and walk off.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Three-time state Division 4 cross country champion Chiara Dailey of La Jolla High School is looking to win her first gold medal on the track before heading off to Stanford.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
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The Malt Shop opened in Parker County in 1958, when two military brothers built it for their wives before heading off to war.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Texas is split down the middle on which issue should take priority — stopping voter fraud or preventing eligible citizens from being turned away at the ballot box — as a poll shows the split is not a sign of moderation but of deep partisan polarization.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
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Sánchez was in right field during a mound visit, appeared to be talking to fans beyond the wall, turned away and then got struck in the right wrist area by what appeared to be a baseball.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Firstman’s debut directorial effort, Club Kid, shrewdly acknowledges those garish personality tics, which have both endeared and repulsed audiences.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
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Anyone who has worked in or observed the media industry for the last couple of decades will recognize and be repulsed by nepo-baby Jay, who is undeniably villainous.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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