1
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
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Recent Examples of stave off
Helping Ukraine was a way to stave off disaster, nothing more.
—
Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
Dave Fiji prayed for two days straight to stave off the rain forecast for the night of his wedding.
—Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
The company called for an industry slowdown or pause in new model development to stave off disruption to society.
—Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Later, like Purvis, Francis turned to the courts to try to stave off another execution attempt.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
Dave Fiji prayed for two days straight to stave off the rain forecast for the night of his wedding.
—Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
The company called for an industry slowdown or pause in new model development to stave off disruption to society.
—Evelyn Cheng,anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 June 2026
Later, like Purvis, Francis turned to the courts to try to stave off another execution attempt.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
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There was so much energy and enthusiasm and ambition coming out of those gatherings that anyone who got near us was in danger of being repelled by the sheer force of it.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
-
It’s meant to contrast with the walls designed to repel refugees.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Early vaccination techniques, not yet perfected, did lead to genuine harm, in some cases causing the very infections they were intended to prevent.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
In practical terms, according to a person familiar with the discussions surrounding the new requirement, ships may need to use armed security teams on board or equipment designed to prevent hijackings, kidnappings or robberies.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Fans were arrested on suspicion of assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (a knife), reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and trademark counterfeiting, the NYPD said.—
Aaron Katersky,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
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The suspects were charged with assaulting a police officer, fighting in a public place, resisting arrest, malicious damage and disorderly behavior in a police station.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 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
-
All turned back from fear or foul weather.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
2 June 2026
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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
Verb
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The alternate lane has become even more important as global oil markets are poised to head off a cliff in a matter of weeks, when crude reserves are expected to reach critically low levels.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
-
Both teams are looking for a healthy seven-game series, but the Knicks seeing their best scorer heading off the court early isn't the way the Eastern Conference champions wanted to kick off their first trip to the NBA Finals since 1999 against these same Spurs.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Omar Artar, making history as Somalia’s first World Cup referee, was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
9 June 2026
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Rockmont opened a retail outlet after the three Weils, eating lunch across from their headquarters, noticed the number of would-be buyers who were turned away because the company didn’t sell direct to the public.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
8 June 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 13 Jun. 2026.
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