fend off

VERB

keep at bay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert avoid deflect rebuff rebut reject repel repulse resist spurn ward off

WEAK

beat off drive back hold at bay keep at a distance keep at arm's length keep off parry rebuke refuse snub stave off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve attract want welcome

WEAK

let in

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fertitta was able to fend off a competing offer from billionaire investor Carl Icahn’s firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

His putting allowed him to fend off a who’s who of stars, shooting a five-under in the final round at a course that had driven players mad all week.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

But options to fend off the attacks Ukraine is facing right now are limited, said Jade McGlynn, Research Fellow at the Department of War Studies, King's College London.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Reaves’ game-high scoring effort wasn’t enough to fend off the relentless defending champions that had six players score in double figures, including three with 20 or more points.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

I have learned how to fend off grief.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

fend off

Example Sentences

Related Words