forestall

verb

fȯr-ˈstȯl How to pronounce forestall (audio)
Definition of forestallnext
as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance you can often forestall skidding on the ice simply by driving more slowly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb forestall differ from other similar words?

The words anticipate and prevent are common synonyms of forestall. While all three words mean "to deal with beforehand," forestall implies a getting ahead so as to stop or interrupt something in its course.

hoped to forestall the sale

When can anticipate be used instead of forestall?

The synonyms anticipate and forestall are sometimes interchangeable, but anticipate may imply merely getting ahead of another by being a precursor or forerunner or it may imply checking another's intention by acting first.

anticipated the question by making a statement

Where would prevent be a reasonable alternative to forestall?

While in some cases nearly identical to forestall, prevent implies taking advance measures against something possible or probable.

measures taken to prevent leaks

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of forestall Trump’s lawyers tried unsuccessfully to forestall a trial. —Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 Trump's lawyers tried unsuccessfully to forestall a trial. —Michael R. Sisak, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025 The Supreme Court rejected a last-ditch effort by lawyers for President-elect Donald Trump to forestall his sentencing for his New York criminal conviction. —Graham Kates, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2025 This forestalling of what feel like inevitable and even necessary fractures can be frustrating and repetitive. —Linda Holmes, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forestall

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Cite this Entry

“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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