1
as in turning back
to drive back
managed to stave off the invaders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in preventing
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 staving off
Pavers or concrete designed to mimic natural stone slabs visually break up the surface, staving off parking lot connotations.
—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
21 May 2026
His last adventure involved him staving off a multiversal crisis by making everyone in the world forget him, including his best friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon).
—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
The research suggests that staving off loneliness requires putting away our devices and connecting with other people in person.
—
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Now that the euphoria of David Pastrnak’s overtime game-winner has now subsided, the Bruins get back to the business of staving off elimination at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres in Friday’s Game 6 at the Garden.
—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
The link between flossing and disease prevention On top of staving off periodontal disease, research shows that regular flossing is associated with reduced risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.
—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2026
Kansas City voters overwhelmingly renewed the city’s 1% earnings tax on Tuesday, maintaining a critical funding source for city services and unmistakably staving off concerns that the city’s budget could be thrown into disarray.
—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Its duration favors the studios by staving off another renegotiation and potential work stoppage until 2030.
—
Maxwell Adler,
Vanity Fair,
7 Apr. 2026
Maintaining ties with Tehran is crucial for containing domestic tensions and staving off an insurgency from the minority Baloch community there.
—
Kyra Colah,
FOXNews.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
21 May 2026
His last adventure involved him staving off a multiversal crisis by making everyone in the world forget him, including his best friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon).
—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
The research suggests that staving off loneliness requires putting away our devices and connecting with other people in person.
—
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Now that the euphoria of David Pastrnak’s overtime game-winner has now subsided, the Bruins get back to the business of staving off elimination at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres in Friday’s Game 6 at the Garden.
—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
The link between flossing and disease prevention On top of staving off periodontal disease, research shows that regular flossing is associated with reduced risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.
—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2026
Kansas City voters overwhelmingly renewed the city’s 1% earnings tax on Tuesday, maintaining a critical funding source for city services and unmistakably staving off concerns that the city’s budget could be thrown into disarray.
—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Its duration favors the studios by staving off another renegotiation and potential work stoppage until 2030.
—
Maxwell Adler,
Vanity Fair,
7 Apr. 2026
Maintaining ties with Tehran is crucial for containing domestic tensions and staving off an insurgency from the minority Baloch community there.
—
Kyra Colah,
FOXNews.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for staving off
Verb
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The three governments have turned to Russia as a major security ally after turning back from Western allies.
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With an eye on climate goals, countries are turning back to nuclear energy to meet their energy demands without releasing carbon into the atmosphere.
Verb
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Officials urge visitors to stay vigilant Authorities and experts alike said one of the largest factors in preventing an attack is whether law enforcement is notified about suspicious activity beforehand.
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An army official said recent drone strikes destroyed an RSF battalion and more than 50 armored vehicles in West Kordofan, preventing advances toward North Kordofan and el-Obeid.
Verb
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Fracturing politics So far, Britain’s increasingly fractured political landscape has benefited Reform UK, as people have felt increasingly confident turning away from the country’s two major parties – Labour and the Conservatives.
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Officers doubled over coughing after turning away from the smoke.
Verb
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
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The union representing roughly 2,000 hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium announced a tentative contract agreement Tuesday, averting a potential strike days before the venue hosts its first FIFA World Cup match.
Verb
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The wax and sealant not only restores your chrome wheels’ glossy shine but also protects them by actively repelling brake dust, road salt and other debris.
-
Lavender Thanks to its strong, aromatic scent, lavender is effective at repelling mosquitoes and flies.
Verb
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Local outfitters can provide the essentials—just pack your sunscreen and a cooler full of your favorite refreshments before heading off to one of these popular destinations.
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The book ends with Cantrell heading off toward Maine to restart his reclusive life.
Verb
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These stunning, resilient shrub roses are bred to thrive in heat and humidity, resisting related diseases.
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He was arrested for arson, resisting/delaying/obstructing firefighters, and parole hold.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Staving off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/staving%20off. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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