OBVIATE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

obviate

verb

ˈäb-vē-ˌāt

Definition of obviate

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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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 obviate By that time, Brendan Carr will likely be last year’s model, obviating the need for any Carr insurance, as he is joined in retirement by Lina Khan on the far left. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 30 June 2026 There was that ever-present sense of hope combined with her dedication to being there, to being in the moment, that obviated an overabundance of sympathy. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026 Naturally occurring tax revenues derived from economic growth would help obviate the need for Springfield’s seemingly endless quests for novel fees and tax ideas. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 While there are no modular reactors up and running yet in the United States, Albrecht said some of those in the design phase will use molten salt, helium or liquid metal to help cool the fission process, obviating the need for large amounts of water. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for obviate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obviate

Verb

Riyadh said the discussions were aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open and preventing another escalation in hostilities.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Such a concentration of power could prevent the effective maintenance of checks and balances on policy decisions by institutions.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

For the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, speaking up is not just about averting disorder, but about establishing a different civic order.

— the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026
But that crisis was averted on Sunday, as Hafley and the Dolphins picked up their first win of the 2026 NFL season against the New York Jets, 28-25, at MetLife Stadium.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of avert

Verb

For Russia, the loss of refining capacity has been manageable thus far, but that does not preclude larger problems ahead.

— Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
Frankly, anybody whose mother spoke about a daughter in that way would normally lead to the daughter being precluded from serving in Office, let alone the Office of Governor.

— Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of preclude

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obverses

obviate

obviated

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“Obviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obviate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of obviate

verb

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