Synonyms of avert

avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt 

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance

her careful planning averted disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prevent
• forestall
• avoid
• preclude
• obviate
• help
• provide
• head off
• escape
• anticipate
• stave off
• thwart
• save
• deter
• nullify
• neutralize
• evade
• hinder
• impede
• deflect
• shake
• prohibit
• negate
• shun
• frustrate
• forbid
• hamper
• counteract
• elude
• interfere (with)
• retard
• offset
• stop
• balk
• eschew
• circumvent
• inhibit
• halt
• fend (off)
• ward (off)
• block
• stall
• make up (for)
• counterbalance
• compensate (for)
• foil
• checkmate
• shirk
• dodge
• check
• arrest
• baffle
• bar
• duck

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assist
• aid
• facilitate
• promote
• encourage
• ease
• abet
• forward
• advance
• let
• allow
• further
• smooth
• permit
• cultivate
• foster
• leave
• unclog
• nurture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of avert

There is a risk that the tariffs could still come into effect, leaving the global economy uncertain about whether a crisis has been averted or if a possible catastrophe could still be coming in the weeks ahead. —Fabiola Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025

Colombia's about-face suggests that Canada and Mexico could also reach agreement with the U.S. and avert a painful trade war. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2025

When Chloe gets intimate with a boy, the ghost averts its eyes and the image turns away — our instinct is to keep looking. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

However, an active-duty U.S. Army pilot tells PEOPLE that the goggles may have actually hindered the pilots’ efforts to avert the crash with the airliner. —Maria Pasquini, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025