keep at a distance

VERB

fend off

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

WEAK

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

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve attract want welcome

WEAK

let in

VERB

rebuff

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chide deny dismiss disregard fend off ignore oppose rebuke refuse reject repudiate resist snub spurn turn down

STRONG

check cross cut decline disallow discourage neglect repel reprove repulse slight

WEAK

beat off brush off cold-shoulder hold off keep at arm's length keep at bay lash out at not hear of pass up push back put in one's place put off send away stave off tell off ward off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

OK accept acknowledge admit allow approve compliment go along grant note pay attention praise regard sanction welcome

STRONG

aid assist attract help permit

WEAK

hug include take 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.

When they are able to trail agents during immigration sweeps, the coalition members keep at a distance but use megahorns to inform residents about their rights.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

"How many people fail to approach us, or keep at a distance, because in the Church they feel unwelcomed and unloved, regarded with suspicion and judged?"

From Reuters • Apr. 6, 2023

They ask residents to keep at a distance during group meetings and meals.

From New York Times • Jan. 4, 2021

But it is not just the British media the Sussexes might want to keep at a distance.

From The Guardian • Jan. 9, 2020

He was probably twelve or thirteen and only saw Vonetta and Janice as pests he could both mess with and keep at a distance.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia

keep at a distance

Example Sentences

Related Words