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
This or risk being obviated by selling software tools to a shrinking user base.
—
Ray Zhou, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Ray Zhou, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviate
Verb
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Gaines’ fumble came on what was already a red zone opportunity late in the second quarter, at the USF 15, preventing the Broncos from taking the lead or at least forging a 10-10 tie.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Aug. 2025
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Drain or turn unused boats or canoes upside-down to prevent water from gathering inside.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Among several actions taken later that cited the energy emergency was an order to the Department of Energy to develop a process to keep unprofitable coal plants operational in order to avert power outages.—
Karen Yourish,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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Oil revenue streams are constrained, and ongoing diplomatic negotiations with European powers and the IAEA will determine whether Tehran can avert further punishment, leaving the country in a tense and high-stakes standoff with the international community.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Kenyan Yildiz would certainly give some wing depth, or preclude the need to drop 75m on Diaz in the first place!—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
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The law also imposes restraints on club intellectual property that are unimaginable (and perhaps unconstitutional) in America and which substantially preclude new or interesting brand ideas and their related monetization.—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviate. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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