Synonyms of prevents

prevents

verb

present tense third-person singular of prevent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• averts
• precludes
• avoids
• forestalls
• obviates
• helps
• provides
• escapes
• deters
• anticipates
• hinders
• impedes
• heads off
• neutralizes
• prohibits
• nullifies
• saves
• thwarts
• forbids
• staves off
• evades
• negates
• hampers
• deflects
• inhibits
• retards
• frustrates
• shakes
• counteracts
• eludes
• stops
• shuns
• interferes (with)
• blocks
• balks
• circumvents
• eschews
• foils
• baffles
• counterbalances
• offsets
• halts
• stalls
• compensates (for)
• dodges
• fends (off)
• makes up (for)
• bars
• shirks
• checks
• wards (off)
• arrests
• checkmates
• ducks

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assists
• aids
• facilitates
• abets
• eases
• promotes
• encourages
• smooths
• furthers
• fosters
• advances
• allows
• permits
• nurtures
• cultivates
• leaves
• lets
• forwards
• unclogs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prevents

However, most apple juices available for purchase have vitamin C added as ascorbic acid, an antioxidant that prevents discoloration and improves the juice's shelf life. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026

The agency said it’s been blocked from sharing information since last year when state lawmakers passed The Rex and Brody Act, which prevents public access to autopsy photos and reports of minors killed through domestic violence. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

Sweeping first prevents dirt from turning into muddy residue once moisture is introduced during mopping. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026

The ruling was followed by a series of similar lawsuits in Chico, Eureka, and Orange County, prompting the passage in 2021 of Assembly Bill 1344, which prevents opponents from suing safe syringe programs in California on the basis of noncompliance with California Environmental Quality Act. —Albert Chern, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

The polio vaccine, for example, prevents paralysis in 99% of cases. —Jerome Adams, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

None of this violates federal law because the CCPA only prevents termination, not every employment action. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026

House Republicans will make another attempt to repeal a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. —Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026

This not only prevents rapid evaporation of the water on sunny days but gives birds a handy place to escape to if predators appear. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026