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
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Recent Examples of obviate
But this does not obviate the very real problems that will be caused in America if AI services are permitted to absorb without recompense — and thereby to render obsolete or superfluous — the work of millions of people on the existing internet.
—
The Editors, National Review, 25 July 2025
The problem for Ruto (and Kenya) is that the economy is faring just well-enough to obviate the need for a sober look at the root causes of the protests and general public disgruntlement.
—Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Among other recommendations for reform, Open the Books advised that routine records such as staff lists, payrolls, and royalty data could be publicly posted, obviating the need for staffers to respond to common requests for large datasets.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
But the fact that the document is meant for experts doesn’t obviate the need for its overarching message to at least be decipherable to the public.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obviate
The Editors, National Review, 25 July 2025
The problem for Ruto (and Kenya) is that the economy is faring just well-enough to obviate the need for a sober look at the root causes of the protests and general public disgruntlement.
—Ken Opalo, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Among other recommendations for reform, Open the Books advised that routine records such as staff lists, payrolls, and royalty data could be publicly posted, obviating the need for staffers to respond to common requests for large datasets.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
But the fact that the document is meant for experts doesn’t obviate the need for its overarching message to at least be decipherable to the public.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviate
Verb
-
Riley Gaines has lobbied for bills in several states that would prevent biological males who identify as women from competing in women’s sports.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Your feet are sandwiched between pillowy soles and a breathable mesh upper that keeps the air flowing to prevent sweating and blisters.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Deliberately, l avert my gaze as thick woody fingers interlace like calloused hands in prayer.—
Manuel Muñoz,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
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The two sides reached terms on a renewal after a short-term extension to their previous pact, averting a blackout of Fox News and other nets on YouTube TV.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On territory, Ukraine says its constitution precludes it from conceding any land.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
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For example, some Americans may not have a primary care doctor, thus precluding them from getting a prescription for the Covid shot.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviate. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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