Synonyms of heading off

heading off

verb

present participle of head off

as in preventing

to keep from happening by taking action in advance

if we act quickly, we may still be able to head off disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of heading off

Sadly, there are no plans for this sleek beast to be heading off-road outside of mainland China at this stage. — New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026

After sitting down to get her hair done, Martha had just enough time to grout her kitchen floors before heading off to New York City to begin her workday. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 July 2026

Yet, with the Gaza death toll exceeding twenty-eight thousand, the amendment had enough support among progressives that Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, asked the White House for help heading off an intraparty feud. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

After high school, the plan was for Jonah Neal to work at Sam's Club and take a gap year before heading off to college. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 13 July 2026

Starting this month, a working adult in their mid-30s seeking to upgrade their skills will have access to the same source of federal financial aid that is available to a high school graduate heading off to a four-year degree institution in the fall. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

The Friends mainstay and Inland Empire star were married in their backyard in front of a crowd of their A-list pals, before heading off to their Bora Bora honeymoon. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026

Much of the young cast remained in Hollywood, though some took breaks to experience young-adult milestones, like heading off to college. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Local outfitters can provide the essentials—just pack your sunscreen and a cooler full of your favorite refreshments before heading off to one of these popular destinations. — Kelsey Yandura, Midwest Living, 17 June 2026