What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forestall
Example
The company took steps to forestall any potential legal issues. [forestall: verb]
Example
She hoped to forestall any further delays by arriving early. [forestalling: gerund or present participle]
preempt
Example
The team preempted their opponents' strategy by changing their own tactics. [preempt: verb]
Example
He hoped to preempt any objections by addressing them in his presentation. [preempting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Forestall is less common than preempt in everyday language. Forestall is more formal and often used in legal or business contexts, while preempt is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forestall and preempt?
Forestall is more formal than preempt and is often used in legal or business contexts. Preempt is more informal and can be used in a variety of contexts, including everyday conversation and writing.
