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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall
Verb
  • According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • What was meant to prevent violence ended up turning an ordinary moment into a frightening encounter with armed officers.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Broadway musicians have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, averting the possibility of a strike.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The government has also followed through on Vought’s earlier threat to fire a massive number of civil servants if the shutdown were not averted.
    Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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