SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
obviate
verb
To remove a difficulty or make something unnecessary.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Remove a difficulty or need
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topObviate a difficulty removes it; obviate a need makes the action unnecessary rather than carrying it out.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See obviate in use
A clear written schedule will obviate repeated calls about arrival times.
A confirmed closure would preclude use of the largest room on the planned opening night, so the coordinator secured a smaller venue. Its built-in display stands would obviate the need to transport the group's heavy folding boards.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license