Synonyms of obviate

obviate

verb

ˈäb-vē-ˌāt 

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance

brushing regularly should obviate the need for frequent trips to the dentist

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prevent
• avert
• preclude
• avoid
• forestall
• help
• provide
• stave off
• anticipate
• head off
• escape
• deter
• nullify
• evade
• thwart
• neutralize
• hinder
• negate
• save
• impede
• prohibit
• frustrate
• eschew
• deflect
• elude
• counteract
• offset
• shake
• shun
• forbid
• circumvent
• balk
• retard
• hamper
• interfere (with)
• stop
• inhibit
• fend (off)
• counterbalance
• ward (off)
• compensate (for)
• make up (for)
• block
• foil
• shirk
• baffle
• halt
• stall
• dodge
• check
• checkmate
• arrest
• bar
• duck

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assist
• aid
• facilitate
• ease
• encourage
• promote
• abet
• let
• permit
• allow
• further
• forward
• advance
• foster
• cultivate
• smooth
• leave
• unclog
• nurture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obviate

While there are no modular reactors up and running yet in the United States, Albrecht said some of those in the design phase will use molten salt, helium or liquid metal to help cool the fission process, obviating the need for large amounts of water. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 7 May 2026

By the end of last fiscal year, about $262 million collected from Measure X had not been spent, with about half locked-in for key projects and about half that county leaders could reallocate to help obviate the need for another tax hike. — East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 1 May 2026

Conveying a very hawkish signal about the outlook for rates may obviate the need to actually raise them. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 28 Mar. 2026

The area vacated by that project — more than 30 acres — is large enough to build a new arena, obviating the need to tear down City Hall for that purpose. — Mark Lamster architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026

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