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

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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 To prevent impersonation, reduce your digital footprint. —

Audrey Nguyen, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024 Here’s what the panel found—plus what doctors who treat aging patients actually suggest for preventing falls and fractures. —

Korin Miller, Health, 24 Dec. 2024 The rules were intended to prevent Social Security from overpaying people who worked in non-covered pension jobs, policy experts said. —

Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 If the two programs continue to enjoy their success on the field, not facing each other during the regular AAC schedule could do them both a favor by preventing either team from picking up a key loss that propels another team into the conference title game. —

Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

Trump and Vance's last-minute intervention forces Johnson to balance appeasing the president-elect and his allies while renegotiating the bipartisan spending plan and averting a shutdown within days.

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
As such, and with plenty of time left before the threat becomes a reality, there’s every chance that the worst-case scenario can be averted.

Nimrod Lehavi, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024