forestall

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb forestall differ from other similar words?

The words anticipate and prevent are common synonyms of forestall. While all three words mean "to deal with beforehand," forestall implies a getting ahead so as to stop or interrupt something in its course.

hoped to forestall the sale

When can anticipate be used instead of forestall?

The synonyms anticipate and forestall are sometimes interchangeable, but anticipate may imply merely getting ahead of another by being a precursor or forerunner or it may imply checking another's intention by acting first.

anticipated the question by making a statement

Where would prevent be a reasonable alternative to forestall?

While in some cases nearly identical to forestall, prevent implies taking advance measures against something possible or probable.

measures taken to prevent leaks

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of forestall Yet even with these challenges, Ukraine has more than proved its ability to forestall major Russian advances, in part through its embrace and refinement of new warfighting methods. Andriy Zagorodnyuk, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025 Sure enough, Weaver and company show up on cue, guns blazing, to forestall what is certain to be one heck of a DOGE budget cut. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 Jokes are safer, forestalling opinion—and thereby contention—by forgoing one. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 Choosing to take fewer students forestalls or even ends the careers of future scientists. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forestall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall
Verb
  • Megan had filed a restraining order against Lanez in December 2024 asking that the Los Angeles Superior Court judge prevent Lanez from allegedly harassing Megan from prison through third parties during his10-year jail sentence.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • Routine cleaning and maintenance can also lower energy bills and improve the air quality in your home by eliminating dust and preventing mold and mildew from forming.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Murphy expressed particular alarm over his party’s tactics after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) opted to avert a government shutdown this spring.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 18 May 2025
  • The city plans to avert further layoffs by transferring employees to the proprietary departments, like the harbor, the airport and perhaps the Department of Water & Power.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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