PREVENT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

prevent

verb

pri-ˈvent

Definition of prevent next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 prevent The Israeli military wounded two Lebanese journalists — Amal Khalil and Zainab Faraj — while striking the southern Lebanese town of Tayri, then temporarily prevented emergency workers from rescuing them, according to Lebanese state media. —

Charbel Mallo, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 However, those bylaws do not appear to prevent a former staffer from representing those same athletes immediately after leaving university employment. —

Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026 That helped prevent overheating during sustained high-speed movement. —

Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Check periodically to ensure even drying and prevent overheating. —

Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

The latest domino to fall is Spirit Airlines, which is on the brink of collapse with no good options to avert it.

— Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Matt Duchene tied it for Dallas on a power play midway through the third period, seconds after his backcheck on Matt Boldy averted a short-handed goal that would've put Minnesota up by two.

— CBS News, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026