as in averts
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 prevents
The coating forms a rough texture that prevents liquids from sticking.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
Properly watering succulents keeps them healthy and prevents problems like root rot and shriveled leaves.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Sardines are free of carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats which prevents blood sugar spikes.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 16 Feb. 2026
Authorities said a frozen layer of snow on top of the ice acts as insulator and prevents further freezing of the ice underneath.
—Paul Burton, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
This helps force out excess air and prevents oxidation from turning the dip brown.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Slit-seeding prevents birds or pests from removing the seeds, or wind or rain from blowing or washing them away.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Regular maintenance prevents thick layers from forming, making each cleaning session quicker and easier.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Williams said one of his goals is to change the state law that prevents people who have been convicted of felonies from holding office.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
Properly watering succulents keeps them healthy and prevents problems like root rot and shriveled leaves.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Sardines are free of carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats which prevents blood sugar spikes.
—Zia Sherrell, Health, 16 Feb. 2026
Authorities said a frozen layer of snow on top of the ice acts as insulator and prevents further freezing of the ice underneath.
—Paul Burton, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
This helps force out excess air and prevents oxidation from turning the dip brown.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026
Slit-seeding prevents birds or pests from removing the seeds, or wind or rain from blowing or washing them away.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Regular maintenance prevents thick layers from forming, making each cleaning session quicker and easier.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Williams said one of his goals is to change the state law that prevents people who have been convicted of felonies from holding office.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevents
Verb
-
For now and unless Williams changes his mind again, the move averts a potential historic litigation where Washington planned to sue Williams over his plan to switch schools.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The Corps project averts potential catastrophic flooding that could lay siege to about 475,000 residents, California and the nation, according to the government’s court documents.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
His age, though, precludes him from doing anything more extensive than a one-off show.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The Wolves were rumored to be pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Dosunmu deal likely precludes a deal for the former two-time MVP.—
Anthony Bettin,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prevents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevents. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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