as in preventing
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
brushing regularly should obviate the need for frequent trips to the dentist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obviating
New designs and operating methods are also obviating the noise that older-style centers once created.
—
Mehdi Paryavi, Sun Sentinel, 11 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
Dan Lawrence’s son, Luke, piloting Ariel, which once belonged to the Roosevelts’ neighbor Archie Rogers, took the first heat, and then the second, obviating the need for a third.
—Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 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
Often, the liquid gets poured right to the brim, obviating any attempt at swirling and sniffing.
—Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2022
Mehdi Paryavi, Sun Sentinel, 11 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
Dan Lawrence’s son, Luke, piloting Ariel, which once belonged to the Roosevelts’ neighbor Archie Rogers, took the first heat, and then the second, obviating the need for a third.
—Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 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
Often, the liquid gets poured right to the brim, obviating any attempt at swirling and sniffing.
—Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviating
Verb
-
They were not swayed by studies showing most adults on Medicaid already work or go to school or have health conditions preventing them from doing so.—
Phil Galewitz,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The run production has been absolutely abysmal, and while each element of the game — hitting, starting pitching, relief pitching, and defense — has held the Mets back at some point or another, an inability to drive in runs has been preventing wins.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The attempt went wide right, however, temporarily averting disaster.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Both lawmakers submitted formal resignation letters that were read on the House floor, averting potential expulsion actions by colleagues.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But even after hearing from Kelly and several distressed homeowners at the March 9 City Council meeting, Council members couldn’t reach consensus on key elements of the proposal, precluding a necessary approval for the ordinance to advance.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Brady is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, which has played a large role in precluding a return.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Oil revenue is the linchpin of Russia’s economy, allowing Putin to pour money into the armed forces without worsening inflation for everyday people and avoiding a currency collapse.—
Lorne Cook,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Perez said long-term solutions include avoiding terrible real estate deals like the city’s purchase nearly a decade ago of a downtown office building on Ash Street that was filled with asbestos.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obviating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviating. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
