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

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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 For the past several decades, a diverse group of grassroots activists, scientists, and enthusiasts has worked to forestall the monarchs’ decline. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for forestall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall

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

Verb

To avert future calamities, the forest outside Bordeaux must be thinned and its fire breaks widened, said Arthur Guérin-Turcq, a Sorbonne University geographer whose family cultivates pines near Le Porge.

— Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The settlement was reached during a California federal trial over claims brought by 29 states, averting one of the highest-profile tests yet of allegations that social media companies harmed young users.

— Diana Novak Jones, USA Today, 26 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of forestall

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