as in to prevent
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obviate
The illustrations seem to have obviated the need for a court painter: now Trump has dozens if not hundreds of people to conjure flattering representations of him on social media.
—
Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
That obviates your basic hedonistic predilection / For a rhythmic stroking of your fur to demonstrate affection.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Scott’s full-body acting and wide-spectrum voice has obviated the need.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025
In addition, the lack of research obviates the possibility of demonstrating clear data that could show why vaccines are so important and life-saving.
—Omer Awan, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
That obviates your basic hedonistic predilection / For a rhythmic stroking of your fur to demonstrate affection.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Scott’s full-body acting and wide-spectrum voice has obviated the need.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025
In addition, the lack of research obviates the possibility of demonstrating clear data that could show why vaccines are so important and life-saving.
—Omer Awan, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviate
Verb
-
Some notices also advised keeping windows closed to prevent smoke getting indoors.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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Sabalenka’s 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-0 win in the semifinals prevents Swiatek from becoming the first woman to win four consecutive championships in Paris.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2025
Verb
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Treasury’s semi-annual report to Congress — called Macroeconomic and Foreign Exchange Policies of Major Trading Partners of the United States— comes as the Trump administration seeks to strike a trade deal with China, averting a trade war that has been brewing between the two nations.—
Fatima Hussein,
Fortune,
6 June 2025
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Not until Republicans are ready and willing to make serious changes to entitlements, starting with structural reform of Medicaid and adding Medicare and Social Security to the mix, can a fiscal crisis be averted.—
The Editors,
National Review,
5 June 2025
Verb
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The solar bill essentially prohibits local governments from establishing zoning rules that preclude large solar fields, and sets uniform statewide standards for solar sites.—
Christine Condon,
Baltimore Sun,
6 June 2025
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His work expanded the possibilities of architecture, proving that function doesn’t preclude fantasy.—
Maya Chawla,
Architectural Digest,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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