Synonyms of preclude

preclude

verb

pri-ˈklüd 

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance

issued a strict schedule for doing household chores so as to preclude any arguments

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preclude

The nature of the structure — with roadways cantilevered out under the Brooklyn Heights Promenade — precludes replacing one lane at a time, city officials told reporters last week. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026

Trade tensions with South Korea did not preclude greater collaboration on nuclear submarines. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

But neither that play nor the ones that precluded it have been enough to move him up the depth chart, even on a team starved for pass rushing help. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

The authority of objects derives from their imperviousness—but too total an imperviousness precludes writing and action altogether. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026