forestall

Definition of forestallnext

Synonym Chooser

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 Then again, Lamm is not one to forestall the future. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 This move might forestall that. Eddie Pells, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 But the pause may not be enough to forestall calls for removal in Congress, where dozens of Democrats — and a few Republicans — condemned Trump on Tuesday. Justin Papp,garrett Downs, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026 For decades, Chicago mayors have fought uphill battles in the statehouse, but the efforts by some Democratic lawmakers to forestall Johnson are unusual. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forestall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forestall
Verb
  • Cloud cover prevented a California Highway Patrol helicopter from reaching the injured climber directly, forcing the rescue to unfold in stages.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Increasing staff at medical facilities during heat waves could also prevent unnecessary deaths.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The author's experience shows caution, though slower, averts problems, contrasting with industry's rapid deployments that often encounter issues.
    Shannon McKeen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The deal averts a ballot referendum that backers from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said would’ve reigned in expansive local real estate taxes.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Forestall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forestall. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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