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 The justices are also expected to back efforts in more than half the states to prevent transgender women and girls from competing on female sports teams. —

Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 17 June 2026 San Jose Spotlight reported in 2024 that Los Gatos had about 130 racially restrictive covenants, which is racist language in property deeds that explicitly prevented homes from being sold to people of color. —

Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 17 June 2026 What truly stands out is the separate shoe compartment, which is ventilated to prevent unpleasant odors. —

Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026 Deadheading will keep blossoms in full supply, while also promoting bushier growth, giving them a neat and tidy appearance, and prevents seed formation that leads to reseeding. —

Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
This work, backed by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, aims to elevate early childhood development to a global priority, emphasizing that preventing the loss of vital connections in youth can avert the need for healing later in life.

— Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026