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fending off

VERB

keep at bay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert avoid deflect rebuff rebut reject repel repulse resist spurn ward off

WEAK

beat off drive back hold at bay keep at a distance keep at arm's length keep off parry rebuke refuse snub stave off turn aside

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve attract want welcome

WEAK

let in

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.

She has held the seat for about three decades, repeatedly fending off Democratic challengers, and ran unopposed in her primary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

She looked relaxed as Richardson dished out instructions and encouragement from the player's box, while she showed resilience in fending off 16 break points and making it difficult for Parry until the end.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Yet that’s also how Malone feels about the current climate of Hollywood — a once-stable neighborhood fending off malign forces.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Volkswagen, long the largest seller in China, is battling to maintain a Chinese market share while also fending off competition at home.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The expense of fending off Harvard awakened the University of California regents to the presence of a prodigy on their payroll.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik