PRECLUDE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

preclude

verb

pri-ˈklüd

Definition of preclude

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance issued a strict schedule for doing household chores so as to preclude any arguments

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 preclude Trade tensions with South Korea did not preclude greater collaboration on nuclear submarines. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 But neither that play nor the ones that precluded it have been enough to move him up the depth chart, even on a team starved for pass rushing help. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 The authority of objects derives from their imperviousness—but too total an imperviousness precludes writing and action altogether. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 Armar’s Ghana is one where family ties have been eroded and ethnic identity precludes any notion of national solidarity. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preclude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preclude

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

Browse Nearby Words

precision

preclude

precluded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of preclude

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