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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
That isn’t to say that setting goals is pointless—on the contrary, committing yourself to healthier routines is one of the best ways to stave off burnout, improve your fitness, and feel better generally.
—
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
The dispute has attracted significant attention from business and anti-regulatory interests, which have looked to stave off the impending deadline.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025
Studies have repeatedly found evidence that dairy may lower the risk of breast cancer but have reached differing conclusions about whether dairy promotes or staves off prostate cancer.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 18 Jan. 2025
Despite the resilience of the U.S. economy in the post-pandemic years, the chance of a recession hitting the country hasn't been completely staved off.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stave off 
Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
The dispute has attracted significant attention from business and anti-regulatory interests, which have looked to stave off the impending deadline.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 23 Jan. 2025
Studies have repeatedly found evidence that dairy may lower the risk of breast cancer but have reached differing conclusions about whether dairy promotes or staves off prostate cancer.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 18 Jan. 2025
Despite the resilience of the U.S. economy in the post-pandemic years, the chance of a recession hitting the country hasn't been completely staved off.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
-
The men in Izzy’s life each represent a world to her, so she’s initially drawn to a successful uptown author (Jeroen KrabbĂ©) and repelled by Sam’s working class surroundings.—
Jason Bailey,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Still in the throes of grief, Bridget has yet to return to the dating scene and is, at first, repelled by the thought of it.—
Olivia-Anne Cleary,
TIME,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The fabric is incredibly smooth and light, which keeps air flowing and prevents chafing.—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
17 Feb. 2025
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Studies have shown that magnesium supplements, such as magnesium citrate, can help prevent bone loss.8 Risks and Side Effects Too much magnesium may cause diarrhea, dehydration, and an upset stomach.—
Alex Yampolsky,
Health,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Their attorneys fought the charges and resisted the Justice Department's previous efforts to keep the cases moving forward on appeal after Mr. Trump's election win.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2025
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Tory Burch, known for its 2000s Reva ballet flat that even Oprah herself couldn’t resist wearing, is experiencing somewhat of a Tory Burch renaissance these past couple years.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The possibility of strike by Teamsters Local #320, representing the staff in the Shakopee Public Works Department, has been averted as a tentative agreement was reached during the mediation period.—
Julia Fomby,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Companies also ordered more inventory to get ahead of potential crippling US port strikes, which ultimately were averted earlier this year.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Days later, on February 5, another group of 23 migrants was encountered re-entering Honduras from Guatemala after deciding to turn back from Mexico.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Celebrities like Hailey Bieber and wellness enthusiasts are getting routine NAD+ infusion therapy in an attempt to turn back the clock on aging.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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After a full feed of dry-aged burgers, spaghetti pomodoro, Long Island sea bass, and the eatery’s famous giant chocolate chip cookie dessert, most people headed off into the night in their Choos.—
Freya Drohan,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2025
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The budding culture warrior majored in politics and, after graduating in 2003, headed off to his first job as an equity capital market analyst on Wall Street.—
Kyle Khan-Mullins,
Forbes,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Then followed my colleagues, members of Congress—all systematically turned away.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
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To effectively end his night, Holmgren turned away a thunderous one-handed dunk attempt by Barnes, getting revenge for earlier.—
Eric Koreen,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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These same, once skeptical business leaders rallied around Trump in 2017 but were repulsed by many of his words and actions within eight months, withdrawing support, not returning to give him a second chance until now.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
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Western publics by and large have managed to stave off compassion fatigue and remain committed to helping Ukraine repulse the Russian invasion.—
Nina Jankowicz,
Foreign Affairs,
4 May 2023
Thesaurus Entries Near stave off
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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