Synonyms of heading off

heading off

verb

present participle of head off

as in preventing

to keep from happening by taking action in advance

if we act quickly, we may still be able to head off disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preventing
• averting
• staving off
• precluding
• avoiding
• obviating
• helping
• forestalling
• interfering (with)
• providing
• escaping
• warding (off)
• fending (off)
• anticipating
• compensating (for)
• making up (for)
• saving
• shaking
• neutralizing
• nullifying
• evading
• deterring
• impeding
• thwarting
• hindering
• hampering
• retarding
• deflecting
• prohibiting
• frustrating
• blocking
• negating
• eluding
• forbidding
• stalling
• offsetting
• baffling
• shunning
• stopping
• eschewing
• balking
• foiling
• counteracting
• checking
• inhibiting
• ducking
• circumventing
• counterbalancing
• dodging
• barring
• checkmating
• shirking
• arresting
• halting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assisting
• aiding
• abetting
• facilitating
• smoothing
• easing
• promoting
• leaving
• advancing
• forwarding
• encouraging
• fostering
• permitting
• furthering
• letting
• allowing
• cultivating
• nurturing
• unclogging

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of heading off

Unionized staff at the Whitney Museum in New York ratified its second contract Sunday night, hours ahead a strike deadline, narrowly heading off a disruption to the opening of a forthcoming Roy Lichtenstein retrospective. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The roommate confronted Long, who denied installing the device before heading off to class, according to the report. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

In an emotional night, fans packed Mohegan Sun Arena to watch their team’s final game before heading off to Houston for the 2027 season. — Jessica Hill, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

By contrast, if Weiss is not getting a promotion, Ellison would be wise to say something the minute the deal is officially closed, heading off speculation about CNN’s future and preventing possible talent defections at the network. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

The actor did recently post on Instagram that his older son, Orion, is heading off to college. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Sep. 2026

The controversial and beloved stand-up closed out his summer season of shows across the pond, heading off to London for the Pulling Up Tour. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

The state is the oldest in the country by the average age of its residents, with the youth heading off to cities or the West. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

He was dedicated to the sport and competed regionally and locally in the Midwest, winning competitions before heading off to college. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026