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
But in a complaint filed in federal court Tuesday, the Teamsters alleged the zoo had locked the workers out of the zoo’s computer system, preventing the zookeepers from accessing new medications and refills for the animals in their care.
—
Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
One dose of the vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles; a second dose boosts effectiveness even further — to 97%, according to the CDC.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
That’s why targeting inflammation early—and consistently—is key to preventing long-term damage.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Israel is preventing major rehabilitation efforts until Hamas is disarmed.
—Anas Baba, NPR, 6 May 2026
Blotting helps pull stains up and out of the rug's surface, preventing them from seeping into the binding.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 5 May 2026
Supporters argue the policy would help address the root of the problem by preventing unwanted litters and reducing the number of animals that end up back on the streets.
—Nina Burns, CBS News, 5 May 2026
For food-contact surfaces, especially after preparing raw meat, proper sanitization after each use is critical to preventing contamination and reducing the risk of illness.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 May 2026
They were not swayed by studies showing most adults on Medicaid already work or go to school or have health conditions preventing them from doing so.
—Phil Galewitz, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
One dose of the vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles; a second dose boosts effectiveness even further — to 97%, according to the CDC.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
That’s why targeting inflammation early—and consistently—is key to preventing long-term damage.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Israel is preventing major rehabilitation efforts until Hamas is disarmed.
—Anas Baba, NPR, 6 May 2026
Blotting helps pull stains up and out of the rug's surface, preventing them from seeping into the binding.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 5 May 2026
Supporters argue the policy would help address the root of the problem by preventing unwanted litters and reducing the number of animals that end up back on the streets.
—Nina Burns, CBS News, 5 May 2026
For food-contact surfaces, especially after preparing raw meat, proper sanitization after each use is critical to preventing contamination and reducing the risk of illness.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 May 2026
They were not swayed by studies showing most adults on Medicaid already work or go to school or have health conditions preventing them from doing so.
—Phil Galewitz, USA Today, 29 Apr. 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
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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
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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
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Palencia pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Tuesday’s win and had warmed up twice in Monday night’s victory, so Counsell was avoiding the flamethrower on Wednesday.—
Andy Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Our legislators must make some tough decisions; avoiding the issues is not acceptable.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventing. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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