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
Risings took place at Parma and Bologna, while that at Modena itself was forestalled by the arrest of the chief conspirators.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 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
Risings took place at Parma and Bologna, while that at Modena itself was forestalled by the arrest of the chief conspirators.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 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
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The Secret Service says its nationwide operation has prevented more than $570 million in taxpayer money from being lost to criminals.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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While a media blackout prevented anyone from weighing in on the negotiations, a few audible sighs of relief could be heard when the WGA’s surprise agreement with the AMPTP was mentioned.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Mets averted disaster in the first inning.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
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Despite its status as one of the world's major oil importers, China averted the worst of the energy shock caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz thanks to multi-year efforts to diversify its energy mix and build up reserves.—
Joseph Wilkins,Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forestalled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestalled. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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