Looking for synonyms for at bay? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say at bay.
- At a distance
- In check
- Under control
- Held off
- Repelled
- Contained
- Restrained
- Kept back
- Fended off
- Staved off
- Warded off
- Held at arm’s length
- Kept at a safe distance
- In abeyance
- Held in check
Want to learn how to say at bay professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. At a Distance
This synonym is suitable in contexts where physical or emotional separation is implied.
Example: “The team managed to keep the competition at a distance, ensuring a clear path to victory.”
2. In Check
Use this when referring to keeping something under control or within limits.
Example: “The manager kept the project’s expenses in check, preventing any budget overruns.”
3. Under Control
Appropriate when emphasizing the containment or management of a potentially problematic situation.
Example: “Despite the initial chaos, the situation was soon brought under control by the quick response team.”
4. Held Off
Suitable for situations where an action or event is delayed or prevented.
Example: “The legal team successfully held off the lawsuit, giving the company time to prepare its defense.”
5. Repelled
Best used when describing the act of driving something back or away.
Example: “The company’s strong security measures repelled the cyber-attacks.”
6. Contained
Ideal for situations where something is kept within limits or confined.
Example: “The spread of the misinformation was contained thanks to the timely intervention of the PR team.”
7. Restrained
Use this to describe actions taken to hold back or limit something or someone.
Example: “The board restrained further investment in the risky venture, citing financial concerns.”
8. Kept Back
Suitable for contexts where something is held in reserve or delayed.
Example: “The CEO kept back the announcement until the market stabilized.”
9. Fended Off
This synonym is appropriate when describing the act of warding off a challenge or attack.
Example: “The firm adeptly fended off the hostile takeover attempt.”
10. Staved Off
Use this to describe preventing or delaying something negative.
Example: “The new strategy staved off bankruptcy, giving the company a new lease on life.”
11. Warded Off
Ideal for situations involving the prevention of a problem or attack.
Example: “The antivirus software effectively warded off the malware threat.”
12. Held at Arm’s Length
Best used in contexts implying keeping something or someone from getting too close, either physically or metaphorically.
Example: “The corporation held its competitors at arm’s length, maintaining its market dominance.”
13. Kept at a Safe Distance
Suitable for situations where safety or precaution requires keeping something away.
Example: “During the negotiations, sensitive topics were kept at a safe distance to avoid conflict.”
14. In Abeyance
Use this when something is temporarily halted or suspended.
Example: “The decision on the merger was kept in abeyance until all data was reviewed.”
15. Held in Check
Appropriate for contexts where restraint or control is exercised.
Example: “The manager held the team’s ambitions in check to focus on achievable goals.”
