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

According to the Independent, Vigar was trying to prevent the ball from crossing the touchline. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Topping their list of asks are demands to reverse recent Medicaid cuts, extend expiring Obamacare subsidies and pass legislation to prevent the White House from withholding money for programs Trump doesn't like. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Allegations that the transfer of youth was to prevent contraband on the campus are false, said AnneMarie Harper, the division spokesperson. —Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025

But how is this rupture to be prevented? —David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025