as in preventing
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 obviating
That is more than enough space to build a new arena, obviating the need to demolish City Hall for that purpose.
—
Mark Lamster
architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026
Even the hefty, vintage camcorder Matthew totes around to film his documentary drops us directly into his leering point of view, crash zooming in on Oliver’s face and obviating boundaries.
—Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
Mark Lamster
architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026
Even the hefty, vintage camcorder Matthew totes around to film his documentary drops us directly into his leering point of view, crash zooming in on Oliver’s face and obviating boundaries.
—Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviating
Verb
-
Plus, the anti-static fabric is a quiet finish that makes all the difference, preventing the pants from sticking to your body to ensure maximum comfort and remaining wrinkle-free—a luxury for a frequent traveler at under $50.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
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The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order preventing the board and Cavin from taking any further action in their cases, as well as an injunction restraining Cavin and the board from discriminating against, or retaliating against, Mejia and Smith.—
Clark Kauffman,
Des Moines Register,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The path to averting a partial government shutdown The Senate is expected to take up the package as soon as next week, with dwindling time to address the remaining funding bills.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
This was about avoiding embarrassment, about averting disaster.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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By comparison, the workouts many people think of as HIIT involve way longer work intervals and much shorter rest periods, precluding the same level of intensity.—
Marissa Gold,
SELF,
9 Oct. 2025
-
But the Republic never received any further communication about this request or any data, precluding progress.—
Joan Meiners,
AZCentral.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Like similar faux fur styles, the brand recommends avoiding frequent washing to maintain their plush texture.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Cutting down on caffeine after lunchtime, avoiding (or limiting) naps, and engaging in a relaxing bedtime routine can all aid in the process too—as will patience.—
Rebecca Fearn,
SELF,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obviating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviating. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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