WARD (OFF) Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

ward (off)

verb

Definition of ward (off)

as in to deflect

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ward (off)

Verb

Calhoun, a defensive back, deflects a last-second two-point conversion pass with a fingertip and UM beats Nebraska, 31-30, for its first of five national championships.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026
Kate Faasse equalized for the Dash in the 42nd minute after Kiki Van Zanten’s shot deflected off North Carolina goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of deflect

Verb

If inflation continues to trend that way, the Federal Reserve could decide to hold off on hikes to interest rates.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
The report fueled optimism on Wall Street that the Federal Reserve may hold off on raising rates this year, after all, even as inflation remains stubborn.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold off

Verb

Miller said the more than 120-year-old bridge hasn't had a paint job since it was built but said it was designed to withstand a certain amount of rust and believes the section loss is not compromising its structural capacity.

— Erika Stanish, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
The cushions are made with an all-weather waterproof fabric that can withstand the elements and is extremely easy to clean.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of withstand

Verb

Compounding the crisis is the fact that airlines are actively resisting standardization in a bid to outdo each other.

— Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
For instance, as a Christian, I am called to vote for doing justice, making peace, loving mercy, being humble, doing good and resisting evil and, most of all, loving my neighbor, whoever that is.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Friday provided a brief but clear reminder of what kind of headache that could be for opposing defensive coordinators.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
But that also will be two months after the Bucks play in Miami, when Giannis will be in opposing colors for the first time in his career.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of oppose

Verb

Hudgens plays Olivia, who runs the Who Let the Hot Dogs Out food stand off the highway between the two courses.

— Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026
The video then cuts to the produce section of the store, where two officers stand off with the man who authorities say is Tabor, tackling him to the ground and handcuffing him.

— Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

Definition of stand off

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

warding (off)

ward (off)

wardrobe

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Style

“Ward (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ward%20%28off%29. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ward (off)

verb

Example Sentences

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