Synonyms for

Fend

Verb / fend / Another word for fend — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to defend or resist; to take care of oneself

Synonyms & similar words

stand resist defend protect guard shield resist repel thwart combat withstand oppose face confront tackle manage cope handle survive sustain support

Synonyms by register

Formal

defend protect resist repel

Informal

cope manage get by scrape by

Literary

ward off hold at bay keep at bay

Antonyms

submit yield surrender acquiesce capitulate relinquish

Common collocations

  • fend for oneself
  • fend off attackers
  • fend off criticism
  • fend off disease
  • fend off a blow
  • fend off a proposal

Word family

verb fend

Usage note

Often used in the phrasal verb 'fend for oneself', meaning to manage without help. Can also be used transitively to mean to ward off or defend against something.

Example sentences

  1. He fended off the attacker with a stick.
  2. The mother bird fends for her chicks.
  3. She was able to fend off the cold with warm clothes.
  4. I need to fend for myself since my parents are away.
  5. The company needs to fend off competition from other businesses.

Quotes

  • It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change. - Darwin
  • The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will. - Vince Lombardi
  • I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. - William Ernest Henley

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