Synonyms of forestall

forestall

verb

fȯr-ˈstȯl 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of forestall

Located just 2 miles away from the former insurance building that housed the residual mechanism, the ICC was set up as a permanent, global court to prosecute humanity’s worst crimes and forestall the need to create ad hoc tribunals for every conflict. — ABC News, 20 May 2026

Then again, Lamm is not one to forestall the future. — Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026

This move might forestall that. — Eddie Pells, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

In an effort to forestall the possibly catastrophic economic impacts on the region, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo would give $10 billion in subsidies to countries in the region. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 15 Apr. 2026