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 Like many projects, Ultra Lights began as a way for singer-songwriter John Robinson to stave off pandemic boredom. — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026 Gold Bond recently released its Refreshing Hand Creams, a collection of four lightly scented, ultra-hydrating hand creams that stave off scaly, flaky hands without leaving behind a greasy residue. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 July 2026 The better ballclubs pull out of slumps before the Padres finally did so Sunday, pulling off a 5-2 road victory against the Dodgers that staved off a four-game sweep and halted an eight-game skid. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 This latest heist recalls the brazen, daytime Louvre theft of France’s Crown Jewels in October, which, despite putting the country’s museums on relatively higher alert, does not appear to be staving off a spate of recent thefts. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stave off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off

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

Only people whose physical condition prevents them from doing so would be allowed to receive assistance from a doctor or a nurse.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
The states are also asking for a temporary restraining order and an injunction that would prevent the merger from closing.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 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 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

And that final moment on the park bench, before Armand and Daniel cut Lestat and Louis’s heads off, their fingers briefly touch.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2026
After high school, the plan was for Jonah Neal to work at Sam's Club and take a gap year before heading off to college.

— Juliana Kim, NPR, 13 July 2026

Definition of head off

Verb

Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Spearmint and peppermint plants are particularly effective insect repellents, but many other plants in the mint family can also be used to repulse flies, including pennyroyal and lemon balm.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026

Definition of repulse

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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 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stave off

verb

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