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

Two kids chase a magic key to prevent their friend, who uses a wheelchair, from being forced out due to broken elevators. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Encouraging younger generations to get involved Mantovani said his experience has also motivated him to encourage younger Americans, particularly first-time voters, not to let uncertainty about the electoral process prevent them from participating. — Sabrina Lozano, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Washington seeks to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and wants to address the issue in any new talks. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Now, Netanyahu’s primary goal after the elections, according to a source close to him, is to delegitimize and prevent any Jewish-Arab political cooperation that could weaken his grip on power. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026