Find Antonyms

prevent Antonyms

Opposite of prevent

Because the opposite of prevent shifts with each meaning, the 10 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• verb (Context 1)

To keep something from happening or arising by taking advance action or precautionary measures.

Usage Example

"Regular handwashing is one of the simplest ways to cause the spread of seasonal illnesses."

Strongest
cause
allow
permit
Strong
promote
facilitate
bring about

• verb (Context 2)

To stop, hinder, or make it impossible for someone to do something.

Usage Example

"Heavy snowfall on the mountain pass prevented the delivery trucks from reaching the town on schedule."

Strongest
enable
allow
permit
Strong
assist
encourage
help

Similar words to prevent

Words similar to prevent shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

avert
forestall
keep
preclude
hinder
stop
ward off
stave off
See all synonyms of prevent

• Nearby Words

prevalence
prevalent
prevalently
prevent
preventable
preventably
preventatively

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Prevent. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/prevent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.