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 The applicator is angled to prevent tugging on the skin, and the 22-shade range includes color correctors. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025 The lawsuit alleges Delta Chi failed to prevent behaviors and actions that resulted in the death of Strain. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025 For anyone with fragrance allergies or chronic skin conditions, skipping fragrance altogether can help prevent flare-ups and maintain optimal skin health. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2025 The pair accused their colleagues of attempting to bury the raises in the budget to prevent the public from weighing in on them. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prevent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent
Verb
  • On Saturday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast: A government shutdown has been averted.
    Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Congress averted a government shutdown on Friday evening, passing a bill that will fund the government through September.
    The Editors, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That said, just as the scientific study of animal consciousness didn’t grind to a halt due to exaggerated claims about animal intelligence, the presence of hoaxes should not necessarily preclude a serious examination of UFO sightings.
    David Chauvet, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The presence of Jones and Mason, though, does not preclude Minnesota from taking another running back.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Soundproofing your apartment and crate-training your pup will help your dog bark less and avoid complaints from angry neighbors.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • To avoid repeating last season’s miscues, Monachino said the defensive staff has designed a simple system to help players execute more effectively.
    Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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