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 Review the list below for our experts' top tips for preventing fruit flies in your kitchen. —

Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 13 May 2026 Malaria incidence has increased, measles coverage remains below the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, and maternal and child mortality decline is slowing, the report found. —

Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 13 May 2026 Protecting young trees from harsh winds can also prevent petals from browning too quickly. —

Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 13 May 2026 Officials told McElroy to take a top bunk bed, the complaint says, in violation of a policy saying pregnant inmates should be assigned bottom bunks to prevent injuries and falls. —

Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

Crisis was quickly averted before any photos were taken as the milliner reoriented his creation atop her head.

— Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Six bargaining sessions have included a federal mediator, who acts as a neutral third-party and is typically called in to help avert a strike.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026