Synonyms of forestalling

forestalling

verb

present participle of forestall

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preventing
• averting
• precluding
• avoiding
• obviating
• helping
• escaping
• providing
• anticipating
• heading off
• nullifying
• thwarting
• deterring
• neutralizing
• saving
• impeding
• evading
• retarding
• hindering
• hampering
• prohibiting
• deflecting
• stalling
• negating
• shaking
• counteracting
• staving off
• offsetting
• blocking
• eschewing
• eluding
• forbidding
• stopping
• shunning
• inhibiting
• interfering (with)
• counterbalancing
• circumventing
• barring
• halting
• foiling
• frustrating
• checkmating
• baffling
• dodging
• balking
• arresting
• ducking
• warding (off)
• checking
• shirking
• fending (off)
• compensating (for)
• making up (for)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aiding
• assisting
• abetting
• facilitating
• promoting
• advancing
• easing
• smoothing
• fostering
• furthering
• encouraging
• leaving
• cultivating
• permitting
• forwarding
• letting
• allowing
• nurturing
• unclogging

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of forestalling

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