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

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 Elsewhere, the entire structure is wrapped in spray foam between inner and outer surfaces, and the floors have hydronic heating to prevent what is arguably the biggest source of discomfort in homes without foundations – perpetually cold floors. —

Stefan Ionescu may 06, New Atlas, 6 May 2026 Cape Verde sent medical teams to assist the Hondius crew but prevented the ship from docking at its ports because of health concerns. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 6 May 2026 Extraneous evening light can prevent the fireflies from communicating and finding mates. —

Eva Flowe may 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026 The plan, reported by Reuters today, could prevent shareholder lawsuits like the one that held up a lucrative Musk pay package at Tesla. —

Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

Six bargaining sessions have included a federal mediator, who acts as a neutral third-party and is typically called in to help avert a strike.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Crisis averted, Tommy agrees to stay at Ludlow.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026