Synonyms of avert

avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt 

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance

her careful planning averted disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prevent
• forestall
• avoid
• preclude
• obviate
• help
• provide
• head off
• escape
• anticipate
• stave off
• thwart
• save
• deter
• nullify
• neutralize
• evade
• hinder
• impede
• deflect
• shake
• prohibit
• negate
• shun
• frustrate
• forbid
• hamper
• counteract
• elude
• interfere (with)
• retard
• offset
• stop
• balk
• eschew
• circumvent
• inhibit
• halt
• fend (off)
• ward (off)
• block
• stall
• make up (for)
• counterbalance
• compensate (for)
• foil
• checkmate
• shirk
• dodge
• check
• arrest
• baffle
• bar
• duck

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assist
• aid
• facilitate
• promote
• encourage
• ease
• abet
• forward
• advance
• let
• allow
• further
• smooth
• permit
• cultivate
• foster
• leave
• unclog
• nurture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of avert

But the crisis has been averted — Rebecca explains that Sarah didn't actually set the real Golden Bag on fire. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026

Nelson is at the heart of the crisis on board, as the authorities in Germany and the UK scramble to avert disaster. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

During his first term, Trump books promised juicy revelations about behind-the-scenes conflict, offensive comments made in private, and crazy plans narrowly averted. —Paul Farhi, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026

Inside, an all-hands scramble by a skeleton holiday-season crew helped avert worse damage. —Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025