as in preventing
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 forestalling
With the help of TDT-DTECT, AI can help detect strings that appear to have been generated by AI and isolate them earlier in the malware's execution, thereby potentially forestalling adverse consequences before the malware can act.
—
John Burek, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
By some interpretations, the fawner resembles Scheherazade, forestalling death through creative feats that appease the men around her.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Phased retirement can also help companies to manage the consequences of the looming workforce contraction by forestalling brain drain and smoothing succession planning — all while preserving the institutional knowledge and relationships that help companies thrive.
—Mary Moreland, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Impressive as that is, though, forestalling a hostage situation is not really in her wheelhouse, and Nolan grabs Summerville’s gun, kicking out Elsbeth and Summerville while trapping the store’s staff and one customer.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Those efforts were defensive, aimed at forestalling oversight that might slow growth.
—Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Could see the futility of forestalling the harmful acts of an addict.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
John Burek, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
By some interpretations, the fawner resembles Scheherazade, forestalling death through creative feats that appease the men around her.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Phased retirement can also help companies to manage the consequences of the looming workforce contraction by forestalling brain drain and smoothing succession planning — all while preserving the institutional knowledge and relationships that help companies thrive.
—Mary Moreland, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Impressive as that is, though, forestalling a hostage situation is not really in her wheelhouse, and Nolan grabs Summerville’s gun, kicking out Elsbeth and Summerville while trapping the store’s staff and one customer.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Those efforts were defensive, aimed at forestalling oversight that might slow growth.
—Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Could see the futility of forestalling the harmful acts of an addict.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestalling
Verb
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National security officials have long argued Section 702 is essential for preventing terrorist attacks.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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The civil case began when the federal government alleged that Live Nation used its clout to engage in a variety of anticompetitive practices, including preventing venues from using multiple ticket sellers.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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CNN‘s reporting of a statement issued by the country’s Supreme National Security Council, declaring victory and averting the president’s threat to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2026
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Forestalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestalling. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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