AVERT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt

Definition of avert

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance her careful planning averted disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 avert The first step in averting this spiral toward catastrophe is for both Beijing and Washington to bear in mind that these economic tools were not designed as weapons. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 The United States and Canada are inching closer to a deal to avert the imposition of punitive 50 percent tariffs on such Canadian products as hockey sticks, wine and cement, according to industry executives and trade specialists following the talks. — David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2026 However, when the camera reached Omri Shiff, a hurdler from Israel, both anchors inexplicably averted their attention to another participant who was apparently taking too long to get set. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Adam Lash, 37, had previously been driving west in 1000 block of 159th Street’s eastbound lane when an eastbound officer turned on his emergency equipment to avert a collision, police said. — Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avert

prevent

Verb

Gen 4 is also designed to add an Active Safety Mechanism intended to prevent thermal runaway by stabilizing electrode active materials at high temperatures.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
The international treaty prevents countries from sending people to nations where they could be harmed.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of prevent

Browse Nearby Words

aversions

avert

averted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Avert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avert. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of avert

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes