staves off

verb

present tense third-person singular of stave off
1
as in repels
to drive back managed to stave off the invaders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in prevents
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 staves off Made with Asics’ special ‘Puregel’ technology, the shoe has a cushy feel and shock absorption that staves off foot pain. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 Health policy researchers and economists say providing Medicaid coverage to immigrants for preventive services and treatment of chronic health conditions staves off more costly care for patients down the road. — Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025 Frequent tennis play improves bone density, which staves off fractures and osteoporosis. — Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staves off
  1. repels
  2. prevents
  3. turns away
  4. averts
  5. repulses
  6. turns back
  7. resists
Verb
  • Celery, thyme, marigold, and chamomile can help mask the smell of cabbage plants, while borage repels the moths.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 July 2026
  • While it's best known for triggering playful behavior in cats, researchers have long known the compound also repels insects.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of repels
Verb
  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act prevents regulated entities, such as hospitals, from disclosing identifiable private information to third parties under most circumstances, unless the patient agrees.
    — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Strategic stillness strengthens emotional intelligence, reduces fatigue, and prevents burnout.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of prevents
Verb
  • The insect naturally turns away when an antenna touches an obstacle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • The bear, seemingly frightened, quickly turns away from the boy and continues running, sliding under a boat parked in the driveway.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of turns away
Verb
  • The author's experience shows caution, though slower, averts problems, contrasting with industry's rapid deployments that often encounter issues.
    — Shannon McKeen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The deal averts a ballot referendum that backers from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said would’ve reigned in expansive local real estate taxes.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of averts
Verb
  • Sigmund Freud believed that every crush has a strand of disgust, that people are attracted to what repulses them.
    — Daniel Felsenthal, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Charlie, though, is trying to keep them out of a country that thoroughly repulses him.
    — Alexander Nazaryan, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of repulses
Verb
  • An exhibit celebrating the Metro’s rail system turns back time with its vintage 1970s railcar.
    — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
  • Kara talks her out of it, and when Ruthye walks away, Kara turns back to Krem and stabs him multiple times with a sword.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026
Definition of turns back
Verb
  • In both cases, Murphy resists direct commentary, instead using politics as a set piece to make meaning and Shakespearean entertainment out of the players themselves.
    — Leo Lasdun, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The parasite also resists some sanitizers used during commercial processing.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of resists

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Cite this Entry

“Staves off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staves%20off. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on staves off

Nglish: Translation of staves off for Spanish Speakers

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