as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
you can often forestall skidding on the ice simply by driving more slowly
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Recent Examples of forestall
But the organization still hopes to forestall the demolitions.
—
Outside, 16 Sep. 2025
That’s what Republicans are doing despite growing evidence their policies are unpopular with the voters, presumably hoping that redrawing congressional district lines in a handful of red states will forestall any possible 2026 blue wave.
—Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Those efforts were defensive, aimed at forestalling oversight that might slow growth.
—Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Israel could also accept the latest ceasefire proposal, which would forestall the offensive.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forestall
Outside, 16 Sep. 2025
That’s what Republicans are doing despite growing evidence their policies are unpopular with the voters, presumably hoping that redrawing congressional district lines in a handful of red states will forestall any possible 2026 blue wave.
—Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Those efforts were defensive, aimed at forestalling oversight that might slow growth.
—Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Israel could also accept the latest ceasefire proposal, which would forestall the offensive.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forestall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall
Verb
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The Heat, which was out-rebounded 61-38 in Wednesday’s loss in Denver, has had particular difficulty preventing teams from rebounding their own miss.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But, traditionally, the judiciary has been concerned about its institutional competence, relative to the other branches’, to evaluate the nature and extent of foreign threats and the policies needed to avert them.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
6 Nov. 2025
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In April 2011, leaders of both parties came to an agreement following weeks of difficult negotiations and ultimately averted a government shutdown, as recapped by President Barack Obama.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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