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

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

But, as the piece points out, none of this was enough to forestall the president’s attempts to take over the city. —Chicago Tribune, 4 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