prevent

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 Use folic acid for general supplementation, pregnancy, or to prevent deficiency—unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Trang Tran, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025 McCormick also recommends using slow cookers or pressure cookers, which add moisture and help prevent excessive browning. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Then a dribble past four into the penalty area that ends with Diego Lopez producing a great save to prevent a goal of a lifetime. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 For more information on good biosecurity measures for helping prevent the spread of HPAI, visit the Indiana State Board of Animal Health's website. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prevent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent
Verb
  • The government’s survival on Thursday averted that outcome, at least for the time being.
    Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • This story has been corrected to show the warnings were reversed in 2015 before Congress averted a shutdown.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With the program proving popular, the decision to expand meant finding someone who could oversee it daily, as Vinson’s administrative duties precluded him from doing so.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Last month, Mangione’s attorneys also filed a 114-page motion in his federal case arguing that federal prosecutors should be precluded from treating it as a death penalty case due to public comments made by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For those affected, avoiding even trace amounts of eggs is essential, making accurate labeling critical.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • For less hustle and bustle, busiest avoid traveling Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prevent

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