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
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Recent Examples of preventing
The study recommends that coaches and athletes monitor the mileage of individual runs, which may actually be more important for preventing injury.
—
Emma Loewe, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026
Before Castro began preventing citizens from leaving the country, Cuba’s then-thriving professional leagues had already turned amateur, forcing top players such as Perez and Cárdenas to decide between pursuing their MLB careers or living a rewardless life as stars in Cuba.
—Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Their impeccable ball security, preventing opponents from transition opportunities, has helped, too.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
However, training – which Michael said was critical for preventing errors – far lags usage.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Groundcovers also help the garden by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and preventing erosion.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Officials credited policing strategies, community partnerships and the work of all city departments for addressing and preventing crime.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
But there is no physical mechanism preventing a crew from switching it off or broadcasting a false position.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
Two months after the anniversary of the devastating Southern California firestorms, several legislators at the state Capitol unveiled a package of bills aimed at preventing wildfires and lessening their harms.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Emma Loewe, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026
Before Castro began preventing citizens from leaving the country, Cuba’s then-thriving professional leagues had already turned amateur, forcing top players such as Perez and Cárdenas to decide between pursuing their MLB careers or living a rewardless life as stars in Cuba.
—Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Their impeccable ball security, preventing opponents from transition opportunities, has helped, too.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
However, training – which Michael said was critical for preventing errors – far lags usage.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Groundcovers also help the garden by shading the soil, conserving moisture, and preventing erosion.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Officials credited policing strategies, community partnerships and the work of all city departments for addressing and preventing crime.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
But there is no physical mechanism preventing a crew from switching it off or broadcasting a false position.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
Two months after the anniversary of the devastating Southern California firestorms, several legislators at the state Capitol unveiled a package of bills aimed at preventing wildfires and lessening their harms.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventing
Verb
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Feb. 2026
-
In some ways, the moment was a replay of 1977, but this time Woodruff looked directly at Walker, instead of averting his eyes.—
Jennifer Gonnerman,
New Yorker,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
He was selected for the All-Star Game for the 22nd time in his career despite missing 18 games due to injury, precluding him from consideration for the postseason All-NBA teams.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
6 Mar. 2026
-
He was selected for the All-Star Game for the 22nd time in his career despite missing 18 games due to injury, precluding him from consideration for the postseason All-NBA teams.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And is there something to gain—politically, economically, or diplomatically—by avoiding conflict?—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
-
While many bulk carriers have strong links with China in terms of ownership, operation and cargo, the actual effectiveness of declaring themselves as China-linked in avoiding attacks is unclear, said Rico Luman, a senior economist at the Dutch bank ING who focuses on transport and logistics.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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