preempts
Beats to it
Preempts means to act before someone else can, thereby preventing or displacing their action.
A network preempts regular programming to broadcast breaking news.
To preempt criticism is to address it before others raise it: She preempted objections by acknowledging the plan's weaknesses upfront.
The word implies strategic timing—acting first to gain advantage or forestall opposition.
Replace something outdated
- replacePut something else there
- supplantReplace by force
- usurpSeize without right
- overrideCancel by authority
overrule · displace · trump · bump · oust · dethrone · unseat · substitute
Separated or terminated
- disruptInterrupt and disorder
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- haltComplete sudden stop
- interjectInsert remarks abruptly
intrude · interfere · obstruct · derail · intercept · break-in · override · interpose
Prevent by prior action
- foreseePredict future events
- anticipateExpect beforehand
- predictDeclare future outcomes
- expectConsider likely to occur
forecast · presage · foreshadow · preclude · avert · intercept · outpace · second-guess
Prevent by prior action
stymie · preclude · obviate · neutralize · circumvent · defuse · derail · short-circuit
Strategically planned
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- countermoveResponding strategic action
- outmaneuverDefeat through superior tactics
flanking · first-mover · checkmate · ploy · feint · ambush · blindside · outsmart
supersede
Replace something outdated
override · overrule · displace · trump · bump · oust · dethrone · unseat · substitute · succeed
cut-off
Separated or terminated
interject · intrude · interfere · obstruct · derail · intercept · break-in · override · interpose · commandeer
forestall
Prevent by prior action
- foreseePredict future events
- anticipateExpect beforehand
- predictDeclare future outcomes
expect · forecast · presage · foreshadow · preclude · avert · intercept · outpace · second-guess · foreclose
forestall
Prevent by prior action
avert · stymie · preclude · obviate · neutralize · circumvent · defuse · derail · short-circuit · scotch
tactical
Strategically planned
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- countermoveResponding strategic action
outmaneuver · flanking · first-mover · checkmate · ploy · feint · ambush · blindside · outsmart · outflank
preemptsreacts
Answers to stimulus
responds · follows · retaliates · counteracts · answers
- preemptive strikeAttack to forestall aggression
- preemptive warAttacking an anticipated aggressor first
preempt, preemptive, preempted, preempting, preemption, preemptions