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

For the past several decades, a diverse group of grassroots activists, scientists, and enthusiasts has worked to forestall the monarchs’ decline. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Nevertheless, some of them come together to try to forestall the installation of the solar array. — Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance, a body created last year that counts 17 companies as members, has been working to forestall bans and ensure the material is treated as recyclable under new state packaging laws. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Meanwhile, on a wider scale, ecological disaster and the systematic massacre of innocent animals seemed no closer to being forestalled. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026