obviate

verb

ob·​vi·​ate ˈäb-vē-ˌāt 

obviated; obviating

transitive verb

: to anticipate and prevent (something, such as a situation) or make (an action) unnecessary

The new medical treatment obviates the need for surgery.

obviation

ˌäb-vē-ˈā-shən 

noun

Did you know?

Obviate derives from the Late Latin obviare (meaning "to meet or withstand") and the Latin obviam (meaning "in the way") and is also an ancestor of our adjective obvious. Obviate has a number of synonyms in English, including prevent, preclude, and avert; all of these words can mean "to hinder or stop something." When you prevent or preclude something, you put up an insurmountable obstacle. In addition, preclude often implies that a degree of chance was involved in stopping an event. Obviate generally suggests the use of intelligence or forethought to ward off trouble. Avert always implies that a bad situation has been anticipated and prevented or deflected by the application of immediate and effective means.

Synonyms

• prevent
• avert
• preclude

Examples of obviate in a Sentence

The new medical treatment obviates the need for surgery.

The new treatment obviates many of the risks associated with surgery.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the fact that the document is meant for experts doesn’t obviate the need for its overarching message to at least be decipherable to the public. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025

So, a deal for Anthony could be in the offing, which would obviate any concerns about potential arbitration proceedings. —Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

What’s insidious in her philosophy is the notion that good choices and a positive attitude can obviate the need for modern pharmaceuticals. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 15 May 2025

All of this math, these stats, and the quest for the best value completely obviate the search for real love. —Myisha Battle, Time, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin obviatus, past participle of obviare to meet, withstand, from Latin obviam

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for obviate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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Kids Definition

obviate

verb

ob·​vi·​ate ˈäb-vē-ˌāt 

obviated; obviating

: to anticipate and take care of beforehand

obviate an objection