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obviator

obviator

9.9
A person who opposes a plan to stop it happening
  • noun
  • /ˈɑbvɪˌeɪtər/
  • Archaic
: obstructor
  • The obviator of the plan argued forcefully against any changes to tradition.

Examples

  • Though rarely used today, the term obviator once described those who stood in the way of progress.

  • In ancient councils, an obviator would often challenge new ideas to prevent rash decisions.

  • The obviator of the plan was met with resistance.

  • Many obviators emerged during the negotiations.

  • In ancient councils, an obviator often opposed radical decisions to ensure careful deliberation.

  • The obviator of the negotiations consistently challenged proposals that threatened the community's values.

  • Historically, an obviator would act as an adversary to any movement that disrupted the established order.

Synonyms

adversary
vsobviator
119 6.1

A person, team or group that is against you

is a more specific obstructing or opposing person in older usage
obstructionist
vsobviator
19 8.2

A person who delays or stops a group's progress on purpose

is the general opposing person rather than a specialized delaying actor
antagonist
vsobviator
19 6.3

A person who opposes another person, often in a story or argument

is similar but used in an older sense to mean any obstructing opponent
preventer
vsobviator
8 3.8

Something that stops or reduces the chance of harm

is a person who opposes or obstructs rather than simply stopping events
resister
vsobviator
6 6.2

A person who opposes authority or control

is a general obstructing adversary rather than focused resistance to authority
disruptor
vsobviator
3 6.5

A person who interrupts a meeting or event and causes disorder

is a more consistent opposing force who prevents outcomes rather than just disrupts
opposer
vsobviator
2 4.5

A person who speaks out against a plan or idea

is a person who prevents or opposes in a broader, sometimes archaic sense
neutralizer
vsobviator
  • US
1 6.0

A person, tool, or plan that stops a threat

is a general opposing figure rather than a targeted disabling agent
canceler
vsobviator
  • US
1 3.4

Someone or something that stops an event from happening

is a person who resists or obstructs rather than formally cancelling matters
rejector
vsobviator
1 5.7

A person or machine that removes things judged unwanted

is an obstructing adversary rather than only someone who says no
suppressor
vsobviator
  • Specialized
1 8.0

A person who uses force or authority to stop people, information and actions

is a general opposing person rather than an authority who silences others
obstructor
vsobviator
1 8.1

A person who stops or delays other people's actions on purpose

is a broader opposing figure rather than an expressly systematic hinderer
abrogator
vsobviator
  • Formal
1 9.9

A person who cancels laws or rules

is a general obstructing adversary rather than an authority repealing laws
gainsayer
vsobviator
  • Formal
1 9.9

A person who says no to an idea or decision

is a broader opposing figure who prevents or stands against actions
obstructer
vsobviator
1 5.8

Someone or something that blocks progress

is more generally an adversary who prevents or opposes events
thwarter
vsobviator
1 9.9

A person who often stops other people's plans or progress

is a general opponent who prevents or opposes without a fixed method
blockader
vsobviator
1 8.6

A person who delays a decision by using formal rules

is a wider opposition role not limited to procedural delaying tactics
suppresser
vsobviator
8.7

A person who stops people from saying or sharing ideas and facts

is a broader obstructing figure not limited to silencing tactics

Antonyms

810 1.0

A person who backs a team or a cause

How Opposed

enemy
∞ 1.0
opponent
1 3.4
obviator
  • Archaic
9.9
obstructor
1 8.1
critic
553 3.0

Surface Forms

obviator singular
obviators plural

Morphology

obviator = obviate (opaque) = obviate + or

The rare and archaic sense of 'obviator' as an obstructer or adversary is not directly derivable from 'obviate'.

Etymology

Obviator comes from the parts ob- 'against' and via 'way', so it originally meant 'one who stands in the way'. That's why the word could be used for someone who opposes or blocks a plan.