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 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 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 By the end of last fiscal year, about $262 million collected from Measure X had not been spent, with about half locked-in for key projects and about half that county leaders could reallocate to help obviate the need for another tax hike. — East Bay Times Editorial, Mercury News, 1 May 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

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

Definition of prevent

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

Definition of avert

Verb

Any change to the City Charter would not preclude the council from scheduling additional special meetings.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
But this divine similarity evidently did nothing to preclude slavery, patriarchy, and the many other social hierarchies depicted elsewhere in the Bible.

— Teresa M. Bejan, The Atlantic, 3 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of obviate

verb

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