PRECLUDE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

preclude

verb

pri-ˈklüd

Definition of preclude

as in to prevent

to keep from happening by taking action in advance issued a strict schedule for doing household chores so as to preclude any arguments

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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 preclude State attorneys argued Tuesday that the federal government has no authority over California elections and seeks to violate federal law precluding voter roll purges in the 90 days before an election. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Califia has previously been detained for drug possession but was also released before her arraignment, precluding the possibility of diversion court. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 That level of control precluded a Vatican media operation from spinning tall tales as occurred during John Paul's reign. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 As a result, spoiler vigilance is no longer just a matter of not giving away the ending of a film; sometimes even simply describing its over-all dramatic shape is enough to preclude suspense. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preclude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preclude

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

Digger, joined by his earnest and exasperated head of environmental safety and security, Nirav Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), heads to Europe to try to avert an unprecedented environmental disaster.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Jackson averted a suspension ahead of this season when authorities declined to file formal criminal charges after he was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of avert

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precision

preclude

precluded

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“Preclude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preclude. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preclude

verb

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