fend for

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.

But somehow friendship mostly triumphs over jealousy, and in the end the now-pregnant woman charts her own course, leaving the two pals to fend for themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Dave Webb, of the UK Wild Otter Trust, told BBC Scotland News that the animals condition meant they could not have been left to fend for themselves.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 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’re at the beginning, Chapter Two, where the kids are only just realizing that they’re going to have to fend for themselves.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King