fended 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.

“Schmigadoon!” fended off the competition to take the night’s top prize along with awards for both its book and score by Cinco Paul.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

City Controller Kenneth Mejia easily fended off a challenge from real estate executive Zach Sokoloff, whose campaign was bolstered by $7.5 million in outside spending by his mother.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Its steelmaking coal assets were earmarked for sale as part of a restructuring effort started after it fended off a takeover bid from rival BHP Group in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

The Pacers, back in Oklahoma City for the first time since falling in game seven of last season's championship series, took a 39-28 first-quarter lead then fended off every Thunder charge.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

Ernest fended off numerous efforts to draw him into the debate over the bomb.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik