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.

See Examples For:

fended off

The Essential Michael Jackson also fended off competition from from Irish language rap group Kneecap to return to the number one spot on the UK albums chart.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 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

They fended off competition from fellow finalists, sibling side Harrison and Katie from Manchester, daughter-and-dad duo Molly and Andrew from Maghera, Northern Ireland, and English in-laws Mark and Margo.

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

According to the Equasis shipping database, Sinoguards also owns the Honduras-based Sunny Ocean, a floating armory that successfully fended off an attack by Yemen’s Houthi militants in the Red Sea in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 16, 2026

At the same time, the Wampanoag fended off Indians from the interior, preventing them from trading directly with the foreigners.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann