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 When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025 As the protest officially ended, the demonstrators threw eggs, plastic bottles and other objects at riot police who were preventing the crowd from approaching a downtown park. Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 The Plainfield Community Alliance formed and initiated kindness contests and workshops to prevent bullying. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025 Use clean utensils: Avoid double-dipping to prevent bacteria and cross-contamination. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prevent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent
Verb
  • Pakistan has announced its nomination of President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him with averting a major conflict in South Asia at a time when the U.S. leader is contemplating intervention in the Middle East.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • The day pass announcement comes after state lawmakers last month failed to pass transit reform legislation — or find funding to avert a looming $771 million fiscal cliff — during their spring legislative session.
    Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • In precluding the former and approving the latter, the Consumers' Research approach does nothing to vindicate the nondelegation doctrine or the separation of powers.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • The Act does not purport to address, much less preclude, district court review in enforcement proceedings.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Each week spent on development and every disaster avoided adds to the company’s financial, reputational and customer support success.
    Sai Sandeep Ogety, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Without an aisle, the box occupants must seat themselves in order from front to back to avoid climbing over one another.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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