preventive
adjective
pre·ven·tive
pri-ˈven-tiv 
: devoted to or concerned with prevention : precautionary
preventive steps against soil erosion
: such as
a
: designed or serving to prevent the occurrence of disease
preventive medical care
b
: undertaken to forestall anticipated hostile action
a preventive coup
preventively
adverb
preventiveness
noun
Examples of preventive in a Sentence
Farmers are covering their crops as a preventive measure against frost.
We'll take whatever preventive action is necessary.
Recent Examples on the Web
Research generally shows Medicare Advantage performs well on preventive care and some utilization measures.
—
Eve Cunningham, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
When Iran starts rearming in preparation for a resumption in fighting, Israel may well take preventive action.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
The list of preventive maternity services, set by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, includes prenatal and postpartum visits and screening for diabetes, anxiety, and HIV, among other things.
—Michelle Andrews, CBS News, 3 June 2026
As new therapies emerge for multiple sclerosis, preventive treatments for migraines, and advances in targeting beta-amyloid, new technological tools have allowed the sector to develop in measurable ways.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for preventive
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Eve Cunningham, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
When Iran starts rearming in preparation for a resumption in fighting, Israel may well take preventive action.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
The list of preventive maternity services, set by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, includes prenatal and postpartum visits and screening for diabetes, anxiety, and HIV, among other things.
—Michelle Andrews, CBS News, 3 June 2026
As new therapies emerge for multiple sclerosis, preventive treatments for migraines, and advances in targeting beta-amyloid, new technological tools have allowed the sector to develop in measurable ways.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for preventive
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preventive. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preventive
1 of 2 noun
pre·ven·tive
pri-ˈvent-iv
: something that prevents
especially
: something used to prevent disease
preventive
2 of 2 adjective
: concerned with or used for prevention
preventive measures
preventive medicine
Medical Definition
preventive
2 of 2 adjective
: devoted to or concerned with the prevention of disease
preventive drug therapy
preventive psychiatry
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