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
-
Only victory on penalties for PSG against Arsenal in last Saturday's Champions League final prevented an English clean sweep after wins for Aston Villa and Palace in the Europa League and Europa Conference League.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
Her calls for help procuring a Jell-O shot turned to asking for a ride home, because her medical conditions prevented her from walking home.—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The lack of risk-taking has helped keep a lid on financial flows, while supply levers have averted the worst hit to the market.—
Devika Krishna Kumar,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
-
During the crisis, all crews and firefighters could do was spray cool water on the tank, hoping that by cooling it down, tragedy could be averted.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forestalled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestalled. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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