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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
Their trials only escalate from there, as the siblings try to stave off malnourishment and psychosis.
—
Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 4 June 2025
More specifically, a naturally occurring compound secreted by donkey skin can stave off deer ticks, showing potential to be an effective alternative to existing repellents.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025
Those two helped the Pacers stave off a return trip to Madison Square Garden for Game 7 even though starting center Myles Turner and wing Aaron Nesmith both got into early foul trouble.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The Pacers missed a chance to secure their spot in the NBA Finals after the Knicks staved off elimination with an 111-94 victory at home on Thursday night.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 4 June 2025
More specifically, a naturally occurring compound secreted by donkey skin can stave off deer ticks, showing potential to be an effective alternative to existing repellents.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025
Those two helped the Pacers stave off a return trip to Madison Square Garden for Game 7 even though starting center Myles Turner and wing Aaron Nesmith both got into early foul trouble.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The Pacers missed a chance to secure their spot in the NBA Finals after the Knicks staved off elimination with an 111-94 victory at home on Thursday night.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
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What to know about the New York City primary The coalition seeking to repel Cuomo has framed the choice facing New Yorkers as one between an older, moderate political establishment and a youthful, progressive vision for the party.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
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There are a couple of candidates: Oil of lemon eucalyptus can be applied to exposed skin as well as clothing and works well to repel mosquitoes and ticks, Haines says; make sure to get one with a 30% to 40% concentration, and dilute it with water before use.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
24 June 2025
Verb
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When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 June 2025
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On Saturday, Boone said Wells’ timing has been off, preventing the backstop from getting his best swing off.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2025
Verb
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Founders who micromanage, resist feedback or avoid tough decisions often stall progress—not because the business lacks potential, but because the leader hasn’t adapted to what growth really requires.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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The Supreme Court upheld that ruling, but officials resisted bringing him back until he was indicted in May.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Pakistan has announced its nomination of President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him with averting a major conflict in South Asia at a time when the U.S. leader is contemplating intervention in the Middle East.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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The day pass announcement comes after state lawmakers last month failed to pass transit reform legislation — or find funding to avert a looming $771 million fiscal cliff — during their spring legislative session.—
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Verb
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When one fan stood on the other side of the table, awkwardly hoping to get Cyrus’ attention, the Grammy winner briefly smiled for the photo with the fan and then turned back to Campbell to continue their conversation, prompting the fan to quietly walk away.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
25 June 2025
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Temperatures will slowly start to ease on Wednesday, especially for some in the Midwest and New England, but Thursday will mark the true turn back toward more normal June warmth for many in the eastern half of the country.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
Verb
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This spa is the perfect spot to wrap up your adventure before heading off to Egilsstadir Airport for the short flight back to Reykjavik.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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The bill extends all the Trump tax cuts of 2017, thus heading off a $4 trillion tax INCREASE next year.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
19 June 2025
Verb
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The Supreme Court turned away Virginia’s appeal on Monday that sought to quash a challenge to the state’s lifetime voting ban for people convicted of felonies, allowing the lawsuit to move ahead toward trial.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
23 June 2025
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In one episode of the Netflix series, a cheerleading hopeful is turned away for being too short while Finglass and other cheerleaders discuss the modern rule book.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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The smell of cinnamon repulsed her, as did the sight of falling leaves, cornucopias, turkeys, cobwebs, ghosts, and that stupid cursive that had become the font of choice for selling pumpkin lattes and a vague notion of cozy well-being.—
Anelise Chen
June 3,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2025
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Kravitz was an assistant machine gunner who on March 6-7, 1951, repulsed with his platoon in Yangpyong, Korea, two Chinese probing attacks.—
Richard J. Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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