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 next

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

Examples 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 To prevent such interference, the US created the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square-mile area around West Virginia's Green Bank Observatory, where the surrounding mountains can block and dissipate radio waves. —

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Research is ongoing to address concerns that increased use of doxycycline to prevent STIs might help fuel the burgeoning drug-resistant pathogen crisis. —

Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 Some police forces and phone companies advise turning off message previews, which prevents thieves trying to break into your accounts from seeing reset or login codes when the phone is locked. —

Kelvin Chan, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024 Airport staff is working closely with a professional wildlife control company to monitor the area, identify potential entry points and implement necessary precautions to prevent future incidents, the agency said. —

Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prevent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent

Verb

With tensions high, diplomatic efforts remain critical to averting a wider regional conflagration.

Amir Daftari, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Thursday's incident is the second potential averted school shooting to involve air guns in recent months in Wisconsin.

David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024