Obviate
v.capable, thoughtfulformal
What it means
To remove a need, difficulty, or possible problem.
Reach for it when describing a change that removes a need or prevents a foreseeable difficulty
A covered walkway will obviate the need for rain delays.
Choose between these
6- everyday
avoid
an unwanted outcome does not occur
not when Avoiding a problem may leave its cause intact.
- everyday
remove the need for
maximum clarity matters more than compact style
not when The expanded phrase is longer but usually plainer.
- professional
eliminate
the need or problem is removed completely
not when Eliminate makes the stronger claim of complete removal.
- professional
prevent
action stops an event before it occurs
not when Prevent does not fit removing an existing need.
- formal
preclude
conditions make an outcome impossible
not when Preclude is stronger and more legalistic.
- literary
forestall
early action delays or blocks trouble
not when Forestall may only postpone the problem.
Said against
3- necessitate
- cause
- invite
It naturally appears in
3- obviate the need
A covered walkway will obviate the need for rain delays.
- obviate a problem
Early calibration can obviate a problem at final assembly.
- largely obviate
Shared storage would largely obviate duplicate purchases.
Where this comes from
Obviate already means remove a need; 'obviate the need for' is standard, while 'obviate against' is usually an error.
- wiktionary, English verb, remove a need or prevent a problem sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-27
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.