as in averting
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
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Recent Examples of preventing
Prosecutors alleged that Sun’s actions included preventing representatives of the Taiwanese government from having access to the governor’s office.
—
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Having a variety of plant foods in your diet supports gut microbe diversity, which in turn helps with immune function, nutrient absorption, brain health, mental health, and preventing chronic disease.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026
This disposable hanging bag traps moisture, preventing stale, musty smells and leading to fresher air.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
The change was embedded in a broader bill about preventing foreign influence.
—Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Review the list below for our experts' top tips for preventing fruit flies in your kitchen.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 13 May 2026
So, teams that play this are preventing themselves from sneaking a player out of the box.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Land use regulations were legally justified as preventing nuisances, but in reality, the goal of many municipal leaders was to promote socially and racially homogenous neighborhoods, protect property values and keep property taxes low.
—Michael Schill, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
That’s why targeting inflammation early—and consistently—is key to preventing long-term damage.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Having a variety of plant foods in your diet supports gut microbe diversity, which in turn helps with immune function, nutrient absorption, brain health, mental health, and preventing chronic disease.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026
This disposable hanging bag traps moisture, preventing stale, musty smells and leading to fresher air.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
The change was embedded in a broader bill about preventing foreign influence.
—Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Review the list below for our experts' top tips for preventing fruit flies in your kitchen.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 13 May 2026
So, teams that play this are preventing themselves from sneaking a player out of the box.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026
Land use regulations were legally justified as preventing nuisances, but in reality, the goal of many municipal leaders was to promote socially and racially homogenous neighborhoods, protect property values and keep property taxes low.
—Michael Schill, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
That’s why targeting inflammation early—and consistently—is key to preventing long-term damage.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventing
Verb
-
The attempt went wide right, however, temporarily averting disaster.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Both lawmakers submitted formal resignation letters that were read on the House floor, averting potential expulsion actions by colleagues.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But even after hearing from Kelly and several distressed homeowners at the March 9 City Council meeting, Council members couldn’t reach consensus on key elements of the proposal, precluding a necessary approval for the ordinance to advance.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Brady is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, which has played a large role in precluding a return.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The match came down to him and Elijah after the latter was able to toss members of The System out of the ring while also avoiding Frankie Kazarian trying to get back into the match following his own elimination.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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That would be a mistake worth avoiding, though.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventing. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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