FORESTALL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

forestall

verb

fȯr-ˈstȯl

Definition of forestall

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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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 Nevertheless, some of them come together to try to forestall the installation of the solar array. — Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance, a body created last year that counts 17 companies as members, has been working to forestall bans and ensure the material is treated as recyclable under new state packaging laws. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 July 2026 Meanwhile, on a wider scale, ecological disaster and the systematic massacre of innocent animals seemed no closer to being forestalled. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 Grant asks Chris about the boxing gloves now for sale in the night store, but Katie forestalls him by running over and grabbing them, nearly flattening Chris. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for forestall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall

Verb

In May of last year, an Army helicopter that was instructed to fly over the Pentagon helipad forced controllers to order two flights to abort landings at Reagan National Airport to prevent collisions.

— Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Would New York authorities be willing to use their own police powers to, say, prevent federal agents from violating protesters’ constitutional rights or investigate crimes allegedly committed by federal agents?

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

The Senate passed a bipartisan bill to avert a federal government shutdown starting in October, and the measure now heads to the House.

— Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2026
The Senate just went out with a bang ‒ passing a government funding bill to try to avert another shutdown, confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general and bucking a voter ID measure.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of avert

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forest

forestall

forestalled

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“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of forestall

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