as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
brushing regularly should obviate the need for frequent trips to the dentist
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Recent Examples of obviate
Even the hefty, vintage camcorder Matthew totes around to film his documentary drops us directly into his leering point of view, crash zooming in on Oliver’s face and obviating boundaries.
—
Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
But this does not obviate the very real problems that will be caused in America if AI services are permitted to absorb without recompense — and thereby to render obsolete or superfluous — the work of millions of people on the existing internet.
—The Editors, National Review, 25 July 2025
The problem for Ruto (and Kenya) is that the economy is faring just well-enough to obviate the need for a sober look at the root causes of the protests and general public disgruntlement.
—Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Among other recommendations for reform, Open the Books advised that routine records such as staff lists, payrolls, and royalty data could be publicly posted, obviating the need for staffers to respond to common requests for large datasets.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
But this does not obviate the very real problems that will be caused in America if AI services are permitted to absorb without recompense — and thereby to render obsolete or superfluous — the work of millions of people on the existing internet.
—The Editors, National Review, 25 July 2025
The problem for Ruto (and Kenya) is that the economy is faring just well-enough to obviate the need for a sober look at the root causes of the protests and general public disgruntlement.
—Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Among other recommendations for reform, Open the Books advised that routine records such as staff lists, payrolls, and royalty data could be publicly posted, obviating the need for staffers to respond to common requests for large datasets.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviate
Verb
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Being less direct and formal can help prevent your kid putting a wall up — as can chatting during car rides since not being face-to-face can feel less intimidating for them.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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The rise in organized thefts has become a major talking point for advocates who are asking the state to step in to do more to prevent the violent encounters.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The memo is the latest attempt to pressure Congressional Democrats to agree to a deal with Republicans to avert a shutdown.—
Erin Doherty,Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
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While it's become common practice for Congress to avert a shutdown at the last possible moment, such an outcome appears increasingly unlikely as lawmakers have departed Washington with no agreement in sight.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Middle Tennessee's erosion-prone limestone and other hard bedrock have historically precluded Nashville leadership from exploring underground transportation.—
Hadley Hitson,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 Sep. 2025
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But the Republic never received any further communication about this request or any data, precluding progress.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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