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.

The carbon-neutral sustainable fuels introduced this year would be retained, fending off any accusations about increased emissions from engines that would require substantially more fuel.

From BBC • May 14, 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

Such “poison pills” can award extra shares to nonhostile shareholders, and are a common tactic when a company is fending off an unwelcome suitor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

He won his March primary, easily fending off three lesser-known opponents, and will face the winner of the Democratic runoff between state Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin and union leader Marcos Vélez.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

Mr. Calloway had probably been giving them time to escape, fending off the attackers when...

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older