stave off

verb

Definition of stave offnext
1
as in to repel
to drive back managed to stave off the invaders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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 stave off The secretive deal comes just five years after Dade Heritage Trust staved off attempts by the city to sell the small property or turn it into a dog park. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 Jordan also staved off Iranian missiles, according to its state media. — Npr Staff, NPR, 17 July 2026 And if the war escalates further, there will be fewer buffers available to stave off another big spike. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 July 2026 Bentancur was crucial as Tottenham improved under the Italian to stave off relegation and is a more-than-capable Premier League midfielder. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
  1. repel
  2. prevent
  3. resist
  4. avert
  5. turn back
  6. head off
  7. turn away
  8. repulse
Verb
  • During the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–88, which Khomeini prolonged for several years after repelling the Iraqi invasion, a disproportionate burden fell on Iranians in the southwestern and western provinces.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
  • Some of these hacks include mixing baking soda and sugar, putting bay leaves around cabinets and under appliances and repelling roaches with essential oils.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of repel
Verb
  • The statement did not address questions about Northwood Ravin’s verbal agreement with Cherry, whether parking is a recurring issue with other projects across the city or how the developer can prevent similar problems in the future.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • Concerned that the programs’ growing sophistication could induce emotional dependency and addiction, China last week banned minors from using AI companions and imposed additional requirements on platforms to prevent misuse.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of prevent
Verb
  • However, the connection between these filaments and supermassive black holes has been elusive, meaning this mechanism has resisted confirmation.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 July 2026
  • For example, if your place has a dining room, resist the temptation to squeeze in a table for six when a normal-size table for four would be more comfortable.
    — Andee Tagle, NPR, 19 July 2026
Definition of resist
Verb
  • The long-term care industry says not every clash can be averted.
    — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
  • Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of avert
Verb
  • The front-9 and the beginning of the back-9 holes play mostly away from the coastline, but play moves back towards the Moray Firth on the par-4 13th, hugging the waterline for the 14th, 15th, and 16th holes before turning back towards the clubhouse.
    — Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • As the clock ticked down, Boyle took off his headphones, dropped the microphone and turned back into a student, rushing the field with his classmates.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of turn back
Verb
  • After sitting down to get her hair done, Martha had just enough time to grout her kitchen floors before heading off to New York City to begin her workday.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 July 2026
  • Yet, with the Gaza death toll exceeding twenty-eight thousand, the amendment had enough support among progressives that Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, asked the White House for help heading off an intraparty feud.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of head off
Verb
  • But on the final Sunday Joe’s stayed open, the restaurant turned away hundreds of people already in line rather than risk cutting corners on quality.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 July 2026
  • The insect naturally turns away when an antenna touches an obstacle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
Definition of turn away
Verb
  • She’s still repulsed by the carving, but her camera is drawn to something else.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of repulse

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staved off
stave off
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Cite this Entry

“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of stave off for Spanish Speakers

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