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

At least twice, full-scale nuclear war has likely been averted only because a single individual—Vasily Arkhipov in 1962 and Stanislav Petrov in 1983—decided to stand in the way. — Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026

Alas, Kissinger may have been uncannily prescient about technology and its impact on global power, but his prescriptions on how to avert AI disaster haven’t aged well. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Pennsylvania officials announced the deaths last month, with Shapiro stressing that vaccinations could have averted the deaths. — CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

But at the last moment, the defense attorney sprung up from his chair to argue a Hail Mary in a final effort to avert a mistrial, prompting a court officer to hold out his hand to signal the jurors should not yet enter the courtroom. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026