as in prevented
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
you can often forestall skidding on the ice simply by driving more slowly
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Recent Examples of forestalled
However, new crops and agricultural techniques forestalled Malthus’ catastrophe in the 19th century.
—
The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
According to The New York Times, the comments could even have forestalled American strikes on Iran.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026
That threat is now forestalled, but for how long?
—Ezra Klein, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Perhaps the recent wobble has forestalled such a scenario.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Nov. 2025
Many scientists including Barzilai think that the aging process can be modified and that, by doing so, diseases can be forestalled and people can stay healthier for longer.
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
The Giants forestalled the question of whether to keep Melvin at the helm with their impressive run in late August and early September, and that Los Angeles Dodgers series answered it.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
According to The New York Times, the comments could even have forestalled American strikes on Iran.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026
That threat is now forestalled, but for how long?
—Ezra Klein, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Perhaps the recent wobble has forestalled such a scenario.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Nov. 2025
Many scientists including Barzilai think that the aging process can be modified and that, by doing so, diseases can be forestalled and people can stay healthier for longer.
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
The Giants forestalled the question of whether to keep Melvin at the helm with their impressive run in late August and early September, and that Los Angeles Dodgers series answered it.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestalled
Verb
-
Analysts say the move does not lift broader sanctions but is designed to remove practical barriers that had prevented Venezuelan diplomatic facilities from operating, signaling a willingness by Washington to restore a functional diplomatic presence as talks advance.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Colorado troops fought for the Union Army in several battles that prevented Confederate forces from taking over western gold fields.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Like in the Rangers’ final exhibition game Tuesday, when a Jack Leiter pitch was reversed from a ball to a strike, meaning a walk became a strikeout and a potential unraveling was thus averted.—
Kevin Sherrington
Mar. 25,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Those federal funds averted over 12,000 evictions in Milwaukee.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forestalled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestalled. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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