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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
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also agreed to testify to Congress as the administration worked to stave off defections.
—
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Edmonton staved off elimination on Tuesday after a blowout victory against the Anaheim Ducks and trail 3-2 heading into Thursday night’s matchup in California.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The basic idea is that when anxiety spikes, pulling out a few sensory-engaging items can stave off panic by interrupting spiraling thoughts.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Houston needed a win to stave off a sweep and slow a spiral.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Edmonton staved off elimination on Tuesday after a blowout victory against the Anaheim Ducks and trail 3-2 heading into Thursday night’s matchup in California.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The basic idea is that when anxiety spikes, pulling out a few sensory-engaging items can stave off panic by interrupting spiraling thoughts.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Houston needed a win to stave off a sweep and slow a spiral.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
-
The chaos of American life repels her.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
-
In 1862, Mexican troops repelled French attacks on the city of Puebla de los Ángeles in the Battle of Puebla, also known as the Battle of Cinco de Mayo.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Obama believes norms that prevent the expansion of executive power may need to be codified into law.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
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The research team led by Schlamminger performed a completely blind analysis, randomizing the values of the masses used to prevent experimenter bias.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Many Jewish people across the world are Zionists, and so there is a temptation, which needs to be resisted, to hold Jewish people across the world responsible for the misdeeds of Israel.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Sometimes, that requires making small but meaningful adjustments, like warming washcloths for a patient who resists basic care.—
Nancy Badertscher,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Six bargaining sessions have included a federal mediator, who acts as a neutral third-party and is typically called in to help avert a strike.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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Crisis averted, Tommy agrees to stay at Ludlow.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mike Conley turned back the clock and hit four threes for the club.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
-
There's no need for Cher to want to turn back time, as the music legend arrived at the Met Gala in black lace and leather.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
5 May 2026
Verb
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The environmentally responsible growth boundaries, approved by voters in 1990 and renewed in 2006, headed off the threat of development up the slopes of Mount Diablo and on farmland and scenic ridges.—
East Bay Times editorial,
Mercury News,
29 Apr. 2026
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The chef serves her signature fish nearly whole with crackling skin and flaky flesh, but head off and skillfully deboned.—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Megan, meanwhile, gets increasingly emotional, turns away from the audience to wipe her tears, then pulls herself together and smiles so that the show can go on and everybody else can bow as well.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
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In turning away the case, the Supreme Court leaves that lower court decision in place.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Anyone who has worked in or observed the media industry for the last couple of decades will recognize and be repulsed by nepo-baby Jay, who is undeniably villainous.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
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Floyd, distraught by his own physical failures, is nevertheless repulsed by the sight of Carol in her big, burly ump gear.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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