PREVENTS Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

prevents

verb

present tense third-person singular of prevent

as in averts

to keep from happening by taking action in advance a lot of problems would have been prevented if we'd just prepared better

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 prevents This method prevents the stalk from snapping off and offers support both above and below the soil. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 This genius gap filler blocks that area and prevents clutter from accumulating in the hard-to-reach abyss. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 This layer prevents water, nutrients, and air from reaching the roots. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 July 2026 Its dual anti-tangle brush assembly prevents hair clogs, while a self-emptying base holds up to seven weeks of debris. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026 Outline a proposal, then schedule a brief meeting to align expectations with a manager, because clarity now prevents heavier repairs later. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 The active ingredient, proanthocyanidins, prevents UTIs by counteracting bacteria. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 30 June 2026 This sophisticated system prevents metabolically expensive and functionally counterproductive perpetual growth, ensuring hair serves specific protective and insulating roles. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The team, led by researchers at Tohoku University and collaborating institutions, created a covalent organic framework (COF)-graphene interface that prevents the movement of lithium polysulfides inside the battery. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevents

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 averts

Verb

Steve Forbes pushes back on the belief that economic data precludes any hope of an interest rate cut this year, and urges Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to make clear that there may well be a rate cut in 2026.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
The second agreement precludes the Justice Department or any other federal agency from investigating the propriety of that funding.

— Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026

Definition of precludes

Browse Nearby Words

preventives

prevents

preview

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Prevents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevents. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of prevents

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on prevents

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes