FORESTALL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

forestall

verb

fȯr-ˈstȯl

Definition of forestall next

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance you can often forestall skidding on the ice simply by driving more slowly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 These days biologists are examining tracks for many purposes, from forestalling wildlife conflicts to averting roadkill. —

Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 In 2010, the Center for Immigration Studies helped torpedo the DREAM Act, forestalling the possibility that Congress might protect young people brought to the United States as children. —

Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024 Moreover, Lippmann insisted that officials in Moscow had genuine security fears and were motivated mostly by a defensive determination to forestall the resurgence of German power. —

Fredrik Logevall, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2022 The concern was that rather than forestalling wider conflict, the strike could accelerate it. —

Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forestall