obviate
verb
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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.
Examples of obviate in a Sentence
Myisha Battle, Time, 20 June 2025
When developers realized the high speeds would necessitate protective eyewear for riders, Smith’s squad devised side shields that deflected airflow, obviating the need for glasses.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2025
Purportedly, those negotiations have resulted in information being provided voluntarily, obviating the need for the subpoenas.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 May 2025
Artificial intelligence is rewriting job descriptions and obviating professions faster than any workforce retraining program could keep up.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Cite this Entry
“Obviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obviate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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obviate
verb
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