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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Instead, the question was always whether an Israeli-only attack—or even a joint U.S.-Israeli operation—could meaningfully forestall an Iranian dash for nuclear weapons.
—
Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2025
Trouble is, the two sides remain worlds apart on a new agreement, as Comcast aims to bump YES up to a pricier digital tier, while the network hopes to forestall an immediate shift.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Given the abandonment of policy that might forestall more severe events like the Texas floods by reducing the emissions that cause them, Americans are left to the daunting task of adapting.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 9 July 2025
Perhaps more damning, the film features interviews with a number of observers who maintain Netanyahu has extended the war in Gaza for over a year and invaded Lebanon to forestall a prosecution that threatens his political career.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forestall
Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2025
Trouble is, the two sides remain worlds apart on a new agreement, as Comcast aims to bump YES up to a pricier digital tier, while the network hopes to forestall an immediate shift.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Given the abandonment of policy that might forestall more severe events like the Texas floods by reducing the emissions that cause them, Americans are left to the daunting task of adapting.
—Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 9 July 2025
Perhaps more damning, the film features interviews with a number of observers who maintain Netanyahu has extended the war in Gaza for over a year and invaded Lebanon to forestall a prosecution that threatens his political career.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forestall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall
Verb
-
Abstinence from red meat and dairy products is the most effective method of preventing illness for those with the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Drain or turn unused boats or canoes upside-down to prevent water from gathering inside.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Among several actions taken later that cited the energy emergency was an order to the Department of Energy to develop a process to keep unprofitable coal plants operational in order to avert power outages.—
Karen Yourish,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Oil revenue streams are constrained, and ongoing diplomatic negotiations with European powers and the IAEA will determine whether Tehran can avert further punishment, leaving the country in a tense and high-stakes standoff with the international community.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share