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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Over time, the reasons for keeping the security regime in place has broadened from the need to forestall political violence into a generalized desire for tranquility. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026 The arts community almost lost the Ely House building over a decade ago but forestalled a bank takeover. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 What else is a doctor’s job if not to forestall death and improve life while it’s being lived? — Dr. Lucy McBride, Time, 8 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for forestall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall

Verb

Anthropic contacted the task force to disclose the latest incident and has a history of reporting security episodes publicly and tweaking models to prevent more harm.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026
There are scores of websites, social-media groups, and YouTube channels dedicated to analyzing and documenting crashes, ostensibly with the goal of preventing future mishaps in flight.

— Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

Jackson averted a suspension ahead of this season when authorities declined to file formal criminal charges after he was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
In Spaceship Earth, when a mission to avert an imminent global cataclysm goes awry, a small band of teenagers from Earth’s past and future must join forces to confront a threat as vast and mysterious as time itself.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of forestall

verb

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