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 But critics on both the left and the right said the AI moratorium, which had earlier been approved by the House, was an attempt to forestall any attempt to regulate new AI systems. Billy Perrigo, Time, 1 July 2025 Instead, the question was always whether an Israeli-only attack—or even a joint U.S.-Israeli operation—could meaningfully forestall an Iranian dash for nuclear weapons. Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2025 The common theme: As popular relevance wanes, hype must be contrived in the hope of forestalling death. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025 Trouble is, the two sides remain worlds apart on a new agreement, as Comcast aims to bump YES up to a pricier digital tier, while the network hopes to forestall an immediate shift. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forestall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall
Verb
  • On the southwestern side of the fire, hand crews and dozers began building new containment lines along Sycamore Ridge Road to prevent the westward spread of the fire from the Dinkey Creek drainage and cut the fire off close to its active edge.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Senate Democrats are attempting to wield their leverage over Republicans, who will need their help in a few weeks to clear a 60-vote filibuster and avert the latest shutdown deadline.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement The tough talk coming from Democrats now is not all that different from what some of them were saying in March, just before Schumer and other Senate Democrats gave in and averted a shutdown.
    Nik Popli, Time, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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