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
To stave off these injuries, IndyStar dug around and spoke with an expert at Purdue Extension about what Hoosiers can do to keep their plants safe and healthy.
—
Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025
In Yolo County, Baker is looking at the shutdown and the looming threat to CalFresh, the state program critical to helping low-income Californians stave off food insecurity, with a mix of anxiety and anger.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The pressure to keep costs under control became more urgent during the pandemic when Macy’s was fighting to stave off bankruptcy.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
And though Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has struggled, interim head coach Mike McCoy, a former offensive coordinator, might have a few tricks plays up his sleeve to stave off a potential blowout.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025
In Yolo County, Baker is looking at the shutdown and the looming threat to CalFresh, the state program critical to helping low-income Californians stave off food insecurity, with a mix of anxiety and anger.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The pressure to keep costs under control became more urgent during the pandemic when Macy’s was fighting to stave off bankruptcy.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
And though Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has struggled, interim head coach Mike McCoy, a former offensive coordinator, might have a few tricks plays up his sleeve to stave off a potential blowout.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
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Popping into a camp full of allies newly wary of the 428-year-old vampire in their midst, Regis begins by clearing up the misconception that he can be repelled by garlic, then drops a line about Jaskier’s blood smelling good.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
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Scientists have also proposed that stabilimenta shield spiders from harsh ultraviolet rays, convey water for the arachnids to drink, or can either visually attract or repel prey.—
Andrea Tamayo,
Scientific American,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Earlier this month, Bush told PEOPLE that Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, have previously put on the party, but work commitments prevented Steinfeld from continuing the tradition.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Stronger muscles can reduce the stress and impact put on cartilage during daily activities, helping prevent further wear and tear.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Epstein has resisted the obvious move to monetize it.—
Patrick Iversen,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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The family—an ambivalent institution bar none—shapes us, and yet our individuality resists that shaping.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Today’s agreement, struck on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, averts another escalation of tensions between the world’s two great powers.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
30 Oct. 2025
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In Congress, lawmakers from both parties have introduced measures to avert future disruptions.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In November, millions of Americans will turn back their clocks, marking the end of daylight saving time in 2025.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
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Most of the group turned back, but the teen decided to try it out, reportedly relying on her experience, according to On The Verge.—
Mark Gray,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some colleges appear to be subtly trying to head off parental overengagement.—
Russell Shaw,
The Atlantic,
2 Nov. 2025
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Perhaps this move will head off that particular indignity.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Harper and Martinez said that their organizations never turn away pantry donations.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Oct. 2025
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But when Sarah goes to the hospital to drop off a card for Dinah, she’s turned away by weirdly hostile staffers.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While there are dismemberments and other bits of gruesome violence to be found in the film, Badlands is largely aimed at endearing its audience rather than repulsing them.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
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Of course, one major qualifier for this is the fact there are plenty of reasons for even moderate Democrats to be repulsed at the idea of electing Cuomo.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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