avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt How to pronounce avert (audio)
Definition of avertnext
as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance her careful planning averted disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 An infusion of new federal housing funds has spared about 4,200 formerly homeless Angelenos from losing their rent subsidies in December, averting a looming wave of evictions. — Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Congress must act before the deadline to avert a major industry crisis. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Former Red Sox prospect Kyle Teel drove in a run on a fielder’s choice to avert the shutout, but right-hander Justin Slaten still faced a tough situation with runners at the corners and one out when he was summoned to put out the fire. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026 Several guests have also indicated that phones were not allowed inside the arena, which may have also been in an attempt to avert leaks. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for avert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avert
prevent
Verb
  • First is to prevent their further migration by enforcing an international treaty obliging national authorities to treat ballast waters inside incoming ships that may carry such species.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Colin Gray’s trial also revealed the shooting was nearly prevented.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of prevent

Browse Nearby Words

aversions
avert
averted
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Cite this Entry

“Avert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avert. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on avert

Nglish: Translation of avert for Spanish Speakers

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