Showing results for fend for. Search instead for fending+for.

fend for

VERB

take care of

Synonyms

WEAK

eke out existence look after make do make provision for provide for stay alive subsist support survive sustain

Antonyms

WEAK

ignore neglect

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.

The ECB, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund have called on governments to target any help it offers this time around to vulnerable households, and leave others to fend for themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

It often involves having a supply of food and learning skills required to fend for yourself.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

"Now, they're left to fend for themselves," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

In the middle of a villain era, good people can feel like members of an endangered species reclassified as huntable and left to fend for themselves.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

“We will also have to investigate you, Rulean. Considering you disappeared and left us to fend for ourselves. Why, how can we be sure you are not involved?”

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega