as in defensive
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
the cat drew back its ears and sank into a protective posture as the dog approached it
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Recent Examples of protective
This means creating materials that are light enough to bring into space but protective enough to keep radiation at bay, says Philip Metzger, a professor of planetary science and space technology at the University of Central Florida, who was not involved in the new study.
—
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Lotion focuses on exactly that, combining intense hydration with ingredients that help reinforce the skin’s natural protective layer.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Ortiz has also been issued a protective order applying to Rihanna, Rocky and their neighbors.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The flip cover serves both as a protective case and a sturdy stand for easy placement anywhere.
—ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Reports based on interviews with miners and local residents describe grueling 12-hour shifts with little or no protective equipment, exposing workers to constant risk of injury and disease.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Wilkens later failed to come to court to extend the protective order, too frightened to see Carlton in person.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Still, in regions where the most robust legal protections and protective programs have been put into place, female farmworkers say things have started to improve.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
The protective sleeve is kind of like a cross between the AirPods Max thin cover and a full-on hard case.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Lotion focuses on exactly that, combining intense hydration with ingredients that help reinforce the skin’s natural protective layer.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Ortiz has also been issued a protective order applying to Rihanna, Rocky and their neighbors.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The flip cover serves both as a protective case and a sturdy stand for easy placement anywhere.
—ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Reports based on interviews with miners and local residents describe grueling 12-hour shifts with little or no protective equipment, exposing workers to constant risk of injury and disease.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Wilkens later failed to come to court to extend the protective order, too frightened to see Carlton in person.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Still, in regions where the most robust legal protections and protective programs have been put into place, female farmworkers say things have started to improve.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
The protective sleeve is kind of like a cross between the AirPods Max thin cover and a full-on hard case.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
The rule has been expanded that teams must interview two minority candidates for openings at head coach, general managers and the offensive and defensive coordinator jobs.—
Mac Engel
March 30,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Heat’s zone worked on several second-half possessions, but Miami still allowed too many open threes -- and had too many defensive breakdowns -- when the game was decided in the fourth quarter.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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