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

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

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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 Studio sources called it a standard screening NDA meant to prevent plot leaks. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 Congress created temporary protections in 1990 TPS was created by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters or civil strife. — Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026 Other factors include a country’s ability to prevent infections, diagnose accurately, control environmental contamination and enforce regulations, Deng said. — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 How to prevent mosquitos in, around your home Much of the mosquito prevention tips from the city's health department involve eliminating standing water from your property. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

That gave Michigan one more shot, and Underwood made this one count, connecting with JJ Buchanan for a game-winning 47-yard touchdown to avert disaster in Kyle Whittingham’s debut as Wolverines coach.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
But at the last moment, the defense attorney sprung up from his chair to argue a Hail Mary in a final effort to avert a mistrial, prompting a court officer to hold out his hand to signal the jurors should not yet enter the courtroom.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of avert

Verb

Multiple Alabama sources insisted that Kiffin’s behavior during his time in Tuscaloosa precluded him from ever succeeding Nick Saban and becoming the Crimson Tide’s head coach.

— John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
For instance, in large American cities such as Chicago, significant segments of the Hispanic minority speak only Spanish, which precludes their being recruited by the police.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of preclude

Verb

During the prime years of her career, while widely acknowledged as an exceptional Schubert singer with impeccable German diction, Anderson still avoided expounding on the music.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Bowman just got out from under a massive long-term contract (Darnell Nurse), and should avoid another with an aging (albeit substantial) talent.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of avoid

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“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prevent

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