PREVENT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

prevent

verb

pri-ˈvent

Definition of prevent

as in to avert

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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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 Shavers advocates for practitioners to shape decisions, including AI implementation, to ensure truth and prevent errors from impacting defendants and victims. — Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 To prevent eye damage, be sure to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers when looking directly at the sun. — Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026 If passed, the bill would prevent the TSA from sharing data that includes passenger names and birth dates with ICE. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Fill the shells just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

Verb

Armar’s Ghana is one where family ties have been eroded and ethnic identity precludes any notion of national solidarity.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
And dropping your Leagues Cup opener, in the current format, all but mathematically precludes advancing to the quarterfinals from the three-match group stage.

— Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of preclude

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“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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