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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prevent
To prevent conditions such as osteoporosis, experts recommend prioritizing strength training, and weighted vests are a great way to do so.
—
Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025
This approach is meant to reduce crowding and prevent day-of travel surprises.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
To prevent the virus, the health department said the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine can be an effective measure.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025
Reduce watering during winter to prevent root rot.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevent
Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025
This approach is meant to reduce crowding and prevent day-of travel surprises.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
To prevent the virus, the health department said the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine can be an effective measure.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025
Reduce watering during winter to prevent root rot.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent
Verb
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But, traditionally, the judiciary has been concerned about its institutional competence, relative to the other branches’, to evaluate the nature and extent of foreign threats and the policies needed to avert them.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
6 Nov. 2025
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In April 2011, leaders of both parties came to an agreement following weeks of difficult negotiations and ultimately averted a government shutdown, as recapped by President Barack Obama.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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McMahon is earning $32 million through 2027, which likely precludes a serious run at a free agent like Alex Bregman.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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That’s understandable, but that does not preclude him from showing up in some way for himself and for you.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Flyers should try to mitigate any headaches from delays and cancellations by avoiding booking flights with layovers, the non-profit US Public Interest Research Group says, and opt to make reservations directly with the airline rather than a third-party website.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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