Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

derail

[dee-reyl] / diˈreɪl /
VERB
run off a track
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lurch slip topple wreck
STRONG
crash
Antonyms
STRONGEST
drive
VERB
cause not to succeed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
block deter filibuster hamper hinder impede interfere stall stonewall thwart
STRONG
break circumvent contravene counter curb deflect delay encumber foil frustrate halt hamstring inhibit interrupt muzzle neutralize obstruct oppose preclude prevent prohibit slow down stymie
WEAK
baffle get in the way hold back postpone restrain slow stay stop
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance assist encourage expedite forward help promote

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A tumultuous tenure that threatened to derail Celtic's season.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

“The move comes amid concerns that escalating tensions could derail global growth, a backdrop that has triggered the largest two-day decline in U.S. equities in a year,” the bank added.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Sebastian Rucci, the chief executive of Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, is now suing the city alleging it unfairly worked to derail the data center.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Rajadhyaksha acknowledges that rising energy prices will “bruise” global economic growth but won’t derail it.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

It had been stupid, unthinkably stupid, to let Paolo derail her.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart