prevent

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb prevent differ from other similar words?

The words anticipate and forestall are common synonyms of prevent. While all three words mean "to deal with beforehand," prevent implies taking advance measures against something possible or probable.

measures taken to prevent leaks

When can anticipate be used instead of prevent?

The synonyms anticipate and prevent 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

When is forestall a more appropriate choice than prevent?

The words forestall and prevent can be used in similar contexts, but forestall implies a getting ahead so as to stop or interrupt something in its course.

hoped to forestall the sale

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 prevent Fortunately, there are treatments to help manage your symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent organ damage. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Mar. 2025 Join 5 others in the comments View Comments Rocket safety systems typically include software designed to blow up a malfunctioning vehicle to prevent large, damaging pieces of debris from reaching the ground. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 An understandable apprehension given that diplomacy was tried countless times to prevent Putin from invading. Rafael Perez, Orange County Register, 28 Feb. 2025 In removing Inspector Generals - the government watchdogs charged with combatting federal department abuse - legitimate questions and widespread legal action are already in play to prevent infringements on everything from the Constitution to data legislation. Lauren Coulman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prevent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent
Verb
  • But two Mickeys will come in handy when Marshall engages in authoritarian military cosplay, an act of cruelty pits the colonists against the aliens, and mutually assured destruction needs to be averted unless 17 can broker a detente.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Now, scientists say that scenario has potentially been averted, and A23a might even be beneficial to the local wildlife.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The European approach to trade not only precludes the CFTPP’s benefits, its notorious economic inefficiency further retards economic growth.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Acquiring a defensive end — free agency is more likely than a trade — wouldn’t preclude Ryan Poles from drafting an edge rusher at No. 10.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • To avoid this scenario, Silva-Nash simply recommends using an appropriate floor cleaner, rather than wax.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Thirty narrow stairs lead to City Ballet’s bright, top floor rehearsal studio, with double ballet barres lining three walls, a floor-to-ceiling mirror, and an open ceiling with a treacherously low center beam that high jumping dancers have learned to avoid.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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