Find Synonyms

preempt Synonyms

Another word for preempt

Choosing another word for preempt depends on context, so the 18 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To take action in order to prevent an anticipated event from happening; to forestall.

Usage Example

"The company issued a public statement to forestall any rumors about the upcoming merger."

Strongest
forestall
head off
Strong
prevent
avert
stave off
preclude
obviate
thwart

• verb (Context 2)

To interrupt or replace a scheduled broadcast program with another of greater urgency or importance.

Usage Example

"The regular evening sitcom was preempted by a special news report on the election results."

Strong
supersede
supplant
displace
replace
override

• verb (Context 3)

To acquire or appropriate something in advance, especially land by preemption.

Usage Example

"Early settlers were permitted to appropriate up to 160 acres of surveyed public land at a fixed price."

Strong
appropriate
requisition
commandeer
arrogate
Weak
usurp

Opposites of preempt

The opposite of preempt shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

forfeit
relinquish
surrender
facilitate
promote
encourage
See all opposites of preempt

• Nearby Words

preeminent
preeminently
preemployment
preempt
preemption
preemptive
preemptively

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Preempt. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/preempt
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