OBVIATES Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

obviates

verb

present tense third-person singular of obviate

as in prevents

to keep from happening by taking action in advance brushing regularly should obviate the need for frequent trips to the dentist

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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 obviates Maybe Anthropic obviates me, too. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026 This imposition of consensus obviates the rather mysterious and ad hoc process of collapse, in favor of something more rigorous. — Quanta Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviates

Verb

Users were likely restricted from properly spelling out such words because, by design, the platform prevents emoji from being used more than once in reaction to a post.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
In addition to being barred from ever owning livestock again, Barr’s plea agreement prevents him from owning or living with any type of animal for 15 years, according to PETA.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevents

Verb

But multiple studies have shown the flu vaccine reduces the disease’s severity and averts hospitalizations and deaths.

— Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2026
At every save point, the game forces James to stare at his reflection, and after the story’s plot twist, James averts his eyes, unable to face his own guilt.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of averts

Verb

The justices have been asked to determine whether states and localities have the ability to sue fossil fuel companies for damages caused by the effects of climate change, or whether federal law precludes such lawsuits.

— Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
This is excessive and precludes many New Yorkers from attending.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of precludes

Verb

This game may come down to whichever team controls the clock and avoids turnovers.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Setting the shifting moods expertly is Michael Giacchino’s score that nicely avoids the clichés of the genre(s) while still honoring them.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of avoids

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obviated

obviates

obviating

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“Obviates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviates. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obviates

verb

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