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2
as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
the quartermaster staved off a shortage by requisitioning more than enough supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stave off
For years, the county's transit system has been hurtling toward a fiscal cliff, staved off by federal pandemic aid and an increase in tax levy support.
—
Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The two must figure out how to cultivate their blossoming relationship while staving off the suspicions of a jealous colleague.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
The Dodgers were able to stave off the Brewers’ ninth-inning rally in Game 1 on Monday night, as Blake Treinen got Brice Turang to strike out to end the game with bases loaded for Milwaukee.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
But the Fed shifted course last month, cutting interest rates to stave off the rising risks facing the labor market.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The two must figure out how to cultivate their blossoming relationship while staving off the suspicions of a jealous colleague.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
The Dodgers were able to stave off the Brewers’ ninth-inning rally in Game 1 on Monday night, as Blake Treinen got Brice Turang to strike out to end the game with bases loaded for Milwaukee.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
But the Fed shifted course last month, cutting interest rates to stave off the rising risks facing the labor market.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
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The event was the latest public honoring of North Korean troops who fought in Russia to repel an incursion by Ukrainian forces.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
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These fabrics are known for repelling dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens much more effectively than traditional down.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
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What was meant to prevent violence ended up turning an ordinary moment into a frightening encounter with armed officers.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Epstein has resisted the obvious move to monetize it.—
Patrick Iversen,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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The family—an ambivalent institution bar none—shapes us, and yet our individuality resists that shaping.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Broadway musicians have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, averting the possibility of a strike.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
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The government has also followed through on Vought’s earlier threat to fire a massive number of civil servants if the shutdown were not averted.—
Andy Kroll,
ProPublica,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In November, millions of Americans will turn back their clocks, marking the end of daylight saving time in 2025.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
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Most of the group turned back, but the teen decided to try it out, reportedly relying on her experience, according to On The Verge.—
Mark Gray,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Most recently, Alverson has also dipped his toe into advising sorority hopefuls as a rush coach — part of an emerging market for girls looking to polish up their image before heading off to college.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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The president calls his wife and complains about the sole of his shoe before heading off to a girls’ basketball event with Angel Reese.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Of course young voters are turning away from the president.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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The Chicago Tribune reported at the time that although some families expressed interest in attending the execution, they were turned away ahead of time.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Of course, one major qualifier for this is the fact there are plenty of reasons for even moderate Democrats to be repulsed at the idea of electing Cuomo.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
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His family, dependent on his income and repulsed at what has become of their son, must then determine what is to be done with poor Gregor.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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