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 Drugs can usually forestall the cancer’s progression, but many dogs will eventually relapse. Knowable Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2025 But none of the failed or forestalled attempts has had more continuing impact and attention than the shooting on July 13, 2024. Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 11 July 2025 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 The common theme: As popular relevance wanes, hype must be contrived in the hope of forestalling death. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for forestall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall
Verb
  • Riley Gaines has lobbied for bills in several states that would prevent biological males who identify as women from competing in women’s sports.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Your feet are sandwiched between pillowy soles and a breathable mesh upper that keeps the air flowing to prevent sweating and blisters.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Deliberately, l avert my gaze as thick woody fingers interlace like calloused hands in prayer.
    Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The two sides reached terms on a renewal after a short-term extension to their previous pact, averting a blackout of Fox News and other nets on YouTube TV.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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