PREVENT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

prevent

verb

pri-ˈvent

Definition of prevent next

as in to avert

to keep from happening by taking action in advance a lot of problems would have been prevented if we'd just prepared better

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples 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 Injuries and Cole Palmer’s emergence have prevented Nkunku from displaying his brilliance at Chelsea, but his profile would be a valuable addition to any top side. —

The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 But the fact that Trump is dead wrong will not prevent him from inflicting serious harm right now on American families like my own. —

John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 Not that the 110°F scorch prevents Patrick Schwarzenegger, son of Arnold, from doing push-ups as the crew prepares for another take. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 In the penultimate episode of the series, Charlotte put a target on Freddie Fraser’s back by not telling him Leanne Quigley had a shield that would prevent the traitors from murdering her. —

Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

Had both parties agreed to these terms then, thousands of Gazans might still be alive, and the recent destruction in the northern Gaza Strip could have been averted.

— Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025
The aim is to prevent AI from emitting foul remarks, stop AI from plainly showcasing how to make bombs and other weapons, and even avert the vaunted existential risk that AI might one day opt to enslave or wipe out humankind.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025