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Definitions

keep at arm's length

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 a distance keep off parry rebuke refuse snub stave off turn aside
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approve attract want welcome
WEAK
let in
VERB
neglect
Synonyms
STRONGEST
discount disregard ignore overlook reject spurn underestimate
STRONG
affront condemn depreciate despise detest disdain dismiss pretermit rebuff scant scorn slight slur
WEAK
brush aside brush off have nothing to do with keep one's distance laugh off let go live with make light of not care for pass by pass over pass up pay no attention to pay no mind shrug off tune out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attend heed look at note notice pay attention recognize regard respect
STRONG
admire approve cherish compliment flatter like love praise welcome
WEAK
accomplish achieve complete concern do finish guard nurture protect succeed take care of watch
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 a distance 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
VERB
repel
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chase away confront drive away drive off fend off hold off rebuff resist ward off withstand
STRONG
buck check cool cut decline dismiss disown dispute duel fight kick oppose parry rebut refuse reject traverse
WEAK
beat back beat off brush off cast aside drive back force back force off give cold shoulder to hold back keep at bay keep off knock down push back put down put to flight stand up against stave off turn down
Antonyms
STRONG
accept agree aid allow approve assist help increase sanction support
WEAK
attract draw
VERB
ward/ward off
Synonyms
WEAK
avert avoid beat off block check deflect deter divert fend foil forestall frustrate halt hold off interrupt keep at bay keep off obviate parry preclude prevent rebuff rebut repel repulse rule out stave off stop stymie thwart turn turn aside turn away
Antonyms
WEAK
lay bare make vulnerable open

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.

It makes them increasingly difficult to keep at arm's length.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2025

Virtually anyone who’s worked in an office had at least one or two co-workers whom they tried to keep at arm’s length.

From Slate • Oct. 2, 2020

Next season, the Raiders are moving into a $1.8 billion stadium in Las Vegas - a city NFL officials worked hard to keep at arm’s length for decades.

From Washington Times • Jan. 27, 2020

Next season, the Raiders are moving into a $1.8 billion stadium in Las Vegas — a city NFL officials worked hard to keep at arm’s length for decades.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2020

And all others that may come and woo thee, do thou keep at arm's length until I return.'

From King Arthur's Knights The Tales Re-told for Boys & Girls by Gilbert, Henry

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.