1
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
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.
Recent Examples of stave off
But in the group stage of the competition, Gollner says awarding a point for a tie acknowledges the effort inherent in staving off defeat.
—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
By comparison, in 2022, Republicans picked up a handful of seats and narrowly won control of the House, and although Democrats staved off a large-scale GOP wave, Latino voters trended away from Democrats that year.
—
Anne Bryson,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
The law, Newsom has said, prevents the state from saving more money in good years to stave off cuts to programs in bad years.
—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Perhaps the most publicized of these policy failures is that the federal government hasn’t taken steps to stave off Social Security benefits cuts.
—
Naomi Cahn,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
By comparison, in 2022, Republicans picked up a handful of seats and narrowly won control of the House, and although Democrats staved off a large-scale GOP wave, Latino voters trended away from Democrats that year.
—
Anne Bryson,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
The law, Newsom has said, prevents the state from saving more money in good years to stave off cuts to programs in bad years.
—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Perhaps the most publicized of these policy failures is that the federal government hasn’t taken steps to stave off Social Security benefits cuts.
—
Naomi Cahn,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stave off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stave off
Verb
-
Earlier Friday, the Ukrainian military's General Staff reported repelling 24 Russian assaults near Kostyantynivka and other settlements.
-
Body on the line 💪 But that was not the Wan-Bissaka who repelled Rashford’s attacking threat as England toiled at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Verb
-
Cloud cover prevented a California Highway Patrol helicopter from reaching the injured climber directly, forcing the rescue to unfold in stages.
-
Increasing staff at medical facilities during heat waves could also prevent unnecessary deaths.
Verb
-
Under owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have resisted rebuilding, preferring to add lower-tier free agents and rush college players to the major leagues in an effort to field a competitive roster.
-
Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times?
Verb
-
The author's experience shows caution, though slower, averts problems, contrasting with industry's rapid deployments that often encounter issues.
-
The deal averts a ballot referendum that backers from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said would’ve reigned in expansive local real estate taxes.
Verb
-
Lionel Messi is turning back the clock and adding to the record books again.
-
Climbing parties on the Normal Route had turned back earlier in the day.
Verb
-
Before work, Geri heads off to question Joyce Tercek, the Yale admissions lady that Dennis blackmailed in the elevator a few episodes ago.
-
In that same study of HR directors and executives, two-thirds of managers were reported to regularly avoid or delay giving critical feedback, which is the slow-motion version of the problem Gen Z is trying to head off.
Verb
-
In fact, the pursuit of a truly American design style—one that turns away from imitation and toward exploration—has been a focus for architects since this country was founded.
-
Another gives the president the power to turn away refugees seeking asylum at the border.
Verb
-
Plenty of people bought it, plenty were repulsed by it.
-
Spearmint and peppermint plants are particularly effective insect repellents, but many other plants in the mint family can also be used to repulse flies, including pennyroyal and lemon balm.
Cite this Entry
“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stave%20off. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
