obviate
verb
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Obviate derives from the Late Latin obviare (meaning "to meet or withstand") and the Latin obviam (meaning "in the way") and is also an ancestor of our adjective obvious. Obviate has a number of synonyms in English, including prevent, preclude, and avert; all of these words can mean "to hinder or stop something." When you prevent or preclude something, you put up an insurmountable obstacle. In addition, preclude often implies that a degree of chance was involved in stopping an event. Obviate generally suggests the use of intelligence or forethought to ward off trouble. Avert always implies that a bad situation has been anticipated and prevented or deflected by the application of immediate and effective means.
Synonyms
Examples of obviate in a Sentence
John Vorwald, Robb Report, 15 June 2024
And because any pause in hostilities will not stop Russia from expanding its military, a cease-fire will not obviate the need for the United States to dedicate resources to Europe.
—Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2024
In other words, the West must formulate a major policy vision that obviates the desire of Ukraine and its staunchest supporters to have Russia smashed and neutralized.
—Vladislav Zubok, Foreign Affairs, 21 Dec. 2022
Electronic dart machines displaced the steel-tip boards, and Amazon obviated the company’s niche middleman status.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for obviate 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obviate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Obviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obviate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
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obviate
verb
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