STAVE OFF Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

stave off

verb

Definition of stave off

as in to repel

to drive back managed to stave off the invaders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Rocha said there are several affordable, small ways that can help people stave off flood damage to their homes. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 LendingClub had to scramble to stave off its own potential bankruptcy by raising funds from some of its existing investors and slowly rebuilding volume on its loan platform. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 But Washington cannot stave off a transition to a new regional order by simply pretending that nothing has changed. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Even though the oil market continues to run at a deficit, the more oil that comes out of the strait, the longer the market can stave off a looming tipping point at which its reserves become insufficient to supply the world with enough oil. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stave off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off

Verb

Reseeding helps block weed growth, repel lawn diseases, slow soil erosion, and strengthen growth in bare patches.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
As mentioned above, Turkey’s deployment of TB2s in the country’s civil war in 2020 proved decisive, with these drones helping break the LNA’s siege on Tripoli and empowering GNA ground forces to repel Haftar’s fighters.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

The problem is, Isolde is very busy with work, so Ry is often left to herself with four alarms a day to take medication to prevent seizures.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Shingles, which can cause painful rashes, fever, chills, headaches and fatigue, can be prevented by getting the two-dose vaccine, which is about 90% effective in the elderly.

— Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

They would have been averted if the two sides reached a trade deal, but Canada's negotiators left Washington empty-handed on Friday evening.

— Kevin Breuninger,Michael Wayland, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Waymos are so much safer than human drivers that deploying them widely could avert countless injuries and deaths every year.

— Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of avert

Verb

Alba had previously spoken to PEOPLE about getting ready for the moment Honor headed off to college.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
He was dedicated to the sport and competed regionally and locally in the Midwest, winning competitions before heading off to college.

— Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of head off

Verb

Sprague told the jury that Clancy was never turned away from mental health care, but that in fact Clancy refused help.

— Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
This summer, Whatley’s campaign barred journalists from mainstream and left-leaning outlets from events, while Cooper’s campaign turned away staffers from two conservative outlets, but local coverage focused more heavily on Whatley.

— David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of turn away

Browse Nearby Words

staved off

stave off

staves off

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“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stave off

verb

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