FEND (OFF) Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

fend (off)

verb

Definition of fend (off)

as in to repel

to drive back the herd fended off attacking hyenas

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for fend (off)

Verb

Some microbiomes attracted the skeeters; others repelled them.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
Most claims about cornstarch in gardening, such as repelling ants or boosting water retention, lack scientific evidence.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of repel

Verb

Its rugged silicone exterior is IP67-rated to resist water, dust, and drops, while the flexible utility strap easily clips onto backpacks, handlebars, or coolers.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Lee and his Burning co-writer Oh Jung-mi resist what might have been the first instinct of many filmmakers by refusing to make Ye-ji and Sang-woo overly patronizing rich jerks.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Climbers who have not reached the summit by noon should turn back, the sheriff’s office said, giving themselves — and rescuers, if needed — enough daylight to get off the mountain.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
But this is about Folk, the 41-year-old whose right leg could be the Falcons’ biggest point of improvement from last season and a 19-year veteran who has somehow, someway, turned back the clock.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

This is not true; no technology or social evolution is inevitable, and even some young people are already turning away from them.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
In three more states, many eligible families who applied were simply turned away.

— Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

Sleep, for instance, isn’t downtime but active maintenance, when the brain flushes out cellular waste in ways that may help stave off dementia.

— Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026
This is the best way to stave off the oil buildup that causes yellowing on your pillowcases.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of stave off

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fending (off)

fend (off)

fends

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“Fend (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fend%20%28off%29. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fend (off)

verb

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