as in prevented
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
her careful planning averted disaster
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Recent Examples of averted
The government has also followed through on Vought’s earlier threat to fire a massive number of civil servants if the shutdown were not averted.
—
Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2025
The government’s survival on Thursday averted that outcome, at least for the time being.
—Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
This story has been corrected to show the warnings were reversed in 2015 before Congress averted a shutdown.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
In the September 6 TikTok video, Sandra planted herself firmly in the backseat with her eyes averted, giving her owner the cold shoulder.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Democratic elders have sought to cast blame on Republicans for the shutdown, arguing it could be averted if the GOP agreed to attach provisions to the CR enacting healthcare reforms.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Duane averted his eyes to avoid a direct challenging stare that might motivate the sow.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
In April 2011, leaders of both parties came to an agreement following weeks of difficult negotiations and ultimately averted a government shutdown, as recapped by President Barack Obama.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Sure, Disney averted a more explosive showdown.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2025
The government’s survival on Thursday averted that outcome, at least for the time being.
—Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
This story has been corrected to show the warnings were reversed in 2015 before Congress averted a shutdown.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
In the September 6 TikTok video, Sandra planted herself firmly in the backseat with her eyes averted, giving her owner the cold shoulder.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Democratic elders have sought to cast blame on Republicans for the shutdown, arguing it could be averted if the GOP agreed to attach provisions to the CR enacting healthcare reforms.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 11 Oct. 2025
Duane averted his eyes to avoid a direct challenging stare that might motivate the sow.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
In April 2011, leaders of both parties came to an agreement following weeks of difficult negotiations and ultimately averted a government shutdown, as recapped by President Barack Obama.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Sure, Disney averted a more explosive showdown.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for averted
prevented
Verb
-
Surveillance teams outside the museum prevented the suspects from setting their vehicle alight but could not prevent their escape on scooters along the banks of the Seine.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Terms of the settlement prevented Cards Against Humanity from disclosing specifics.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Averted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/averted. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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