Synonyms of prevent

prevent

verb

pri-ˈvent 

as in to avert

to keep from happening by taking action in advance

a lot of problems would have been prevented if we'd just prepared better

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb prevent differ from other similar words?

The words anticipate and forestall are common synonyms of prevent. While all three words mean "to deal with beforehand," prevent implies taking advance measures against something possible or probable.

measures taken to prevent leaks

When can anticipate be used instead of prevent?

The synonyms anticipate and prevent are sometimes interchangeable, but anticipate may imply merely getting ahead of another by being a precursor or forerunner or it may imply checking another's intention by acting first.

anticipated the question by making a statement

When is forestall a more appropriate choice than prevent?

The words forestall and prevent can be used in similar contexts, but forestall implies a getting ahead so as to stop or interrupt something in its course.

hoped to forestall the sale

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prevent

To pull off this pant-less look, a high-quality leather piece is necessary to prevent it from reading cheap. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026

Controlling their blood pressure could prevent thousands of cardiovascular events and save hundreds of lives a year — about 4,000 Chicagoans died from heart disease in 2024, about 2,000 died from hypertension as a primary or secondary cause. — Garth Walker, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

The presentation highlighted three updates and changes that the advisory body believes the city should adopt in order to prevent further serious traffic collisions. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Political hurdles have prevented potential cost savings from cutting service or closing some post offices. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026