as in preventive
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening
the many prophylactic measures that city officials could have taken to reduce the scope of the disaster
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Recent Examples of prophylactic
While cases are likely to be fatal when symptoms show up, Harrist told the outlet that a five-shot prophylactic course during a two-week period after being exposed, had a high chance of preventing sickness.
—
Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
For example, when patients undergo surgery to remove a tumour, they are often given prophylactic antibiotics to prevent post-operative infections.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
People with weakened immune systems may also benefit from using a laundry sanitizer as a prophylactic measure.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
And he’s got a prophylactic nasal rinse, which, actually, he’s come to sort of like for reasons that don’t have much to do with COVID.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prophylactic
Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
For example, when patients undergo surgery to remove a tumour, they are often given prophylactic antibiotics to prevent post-operative infections.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
People with weakened immune systems may also benefit from using a laundry sanitizer as a prophylactic measure.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
And he’s got a prophylactic nasal rinse, which, actually, he’s come to sort of like for reasons that don’t have much to do with COVID.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prophylactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophylactic
Adjective
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Childhood is a critical window for preventive services and routine checkups that build the foundation for lifelong health.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Knowing the results can help guide screening decisions, preventive measures, or treatment options.—
Emily Kay Votruba,
EverydayHealth.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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SoCal Edison did take some preventative action.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
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Beauvais hopes that using her platform spreads more awareness among Black women to seek preventative care.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prophylactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prophylactic. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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