obviate
Remove the need for something or make it unnecessary
Examples
In a meeting
“This automation will obviate the need for manual data entry.”
Over coffee
“Getting a dishwasher would obviate all those arguments about whose turn it is.”
Why this word
eliminate
Obviate means making something unnecessary by anticipation, eliminate is direct removal
prevent
Obviate makes something unnecessary or avoidable, prevent just stops occurrence
avoid
Obviate removes the need for something entirely, avoid is merely steering clear of it
Usage tip
Use when a solution makes a previous problem or task completely unnecessary
Etymology
Latin 'obviare' (ob- against + via way) — to meet, stand in the way of, prevent
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of something.
simplify
To make something easier to understand or do
centralize
To bring together or concentrate control in one location or authority
batch
To group similar tasks together to handle them all at once
archive
To move old or inactive items to storage while keeping them accessible