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

Hidden security pockets While many bags offer a zippered inner pocket for storing cash and other items, some backpacks offer pockets with RFID-blocking technology to prevent criminals from stealing your credit card or passport info. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

What is so dangerous is there is no way to prevent a predator from taking any photograph—not just a photograph on the internet—but any photo of a child and using this technology to create images from your worst nightmares. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026

Conserving water now helps prevent the city from moving to a stricter stage later, according to the city. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

The program includes more than $1 billion for states and local and tribal governments for a variety of programs aimed at preventing terror at crowded places, online, with border security — and around elections. — ABC News, 8 July 2026