prevent

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb prevent differ from other similar words?

The words anticipate and forestall are common synonyms of prevent. While all three words mean "to deal with beforehand," prevent implies taking advance measures against something possible or probable.

measures taken to prevent leaks

When can anticipate be used instead of prevent?

The synonyms anticipate and prevent are sometimes interchangeable, but anticipate may imply merely getting ahead of another by being a precursor or forerunner or it may imply checking another's intention by acting first.

anticipated the question by making a statement

When is forestall a more appropriate choice than prevent?

The words forestall and prevent can be used in similar contexts, but forestall implies a getting ahead so as to stop or interrupt something in its course.

hoped to forestall the sale

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 prevent However, as is often the case on Florida's Space Coast, bad weather prevented the satellites from launching April 9. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025 Larson's victory at the Bristol Motor Speedway prevented Hamlin from securing his third consecutive victory this season. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025 Some were emblazoned with images of Maximilian I of Bavaria and Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III. Further, archaeologists discovered fragments of lead bullets and deposits of metal wheels — which were likely safeguarded to prevent them from falling into enemy hands after the army left camp. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 To prevent mold, be cautious when storing homemade bread. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prevent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent
Verb
  • How Investigative Journalists Actually Find Fraud, Waste and Abuse The evidence is similarly clear on Trump’s argument that continued reliance on tariffs to fund the government would have averted the Great Depression.
    Jesse Eisinger, ProPublica, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The United States and Iran are preparing for talks on Tehran's nuclear program in Oman to avert a possible military confrontation that could have devastating consequences far beyond the Middle East.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But that shouldn’t preclude them from drafting a safety at some point.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Once the strike began, the waiver was rescinded, precluding her from performing writing services for a non-signatory.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Houston threw numbers behind the ball for most of the game to avoid getting hit by the deadly counterattacks and transitions KC has been known for.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Get to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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