ward off

verb

warded off; warding off; wards off
Synonyms of ward offnext
: to avoid being hit by (something)
ward off a blow
—often used figuratively
I tried different remedies to ward off a cold.

Examples of ward off in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Smart design, strong leadership, and political support can ward off this effect, but diminishing returns over time is inevitable. — Jennifer Pahlka, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 The mall’s survival amid the community’s devastation was not without controversy given Caruso’s use of private firefighters to ward off the flames. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 The roles of these microbacteria range from helping in digestion and other metabolic processes, to assisting in warding off infections. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026 These are plants that either ward off pests, attract pollinators, or enrich the surrounding soil. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ward off

Rhymes for ward off

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Browse Nearby Words

wardmote
ward off
war dog
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Cite this Entry

“Ward off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ward off

Nglish: Translation of ward off for Spanish Speakers

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