as in medicinal
tending to cure disease or restore health
some believe that the herb has curative properties
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in antidote
something that corrects or counteracts something undesirable
the best curative for her depression might be volunteer work at a local animal shelter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of curative
Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Since there’s no preventive or curative medicine, avoiding infection is the best course of action.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026
Money-minded Venus is squaring curative Chiron, pushing you to match your spending habits with your values (without shaming yourself or others).
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Scientifically, preventive medicine is always preferred over curative, but what happens when there is neither prevention nor cure?
—Hany Demian, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curative
Adjective
Signature massages use organic oils from the Almescar tree, derived from a bioactive resin which acts as a natural insect repellent, curative panacea, and incense.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Since there’s no preventive or curative medicine, avoiding infection is the best course of action.
—Devika Rao, TheWeek, 29 Jan. 2026
Money-minded Venus is squaring curative Chiron, pushing you to match your spending habits with your values (without shaming yourself or others).
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Scientifically, preventive medicine is always preferred over curative, but what happens when there is neither prevention nor cure?
—Hany Demian, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for curative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curative
Adjective
-
Python bile, which is contained in the gallbladder, is believed to have medicinal properties, while the tongue is used in traditional rituals or as an aphrodisiac.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Rue is commonly used as a medicinal herb, and it’s often grown in pollinator gardens to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The 624-foot Evrima, which is the first in a fleet of three ships emerging over the next few years, is an antidote to mega cruises that still feels massive to anyone who’s ever truly yachted.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
American freedom was the antidote to the icy grip of totalitarianism, whether from Nazis or Communists.—
Peter S. Canellos,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Russo also said during the Friday event that DCF is working on establishing a model for therapeutic foster care.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Among the specific research studies being delivered are quantum science module that could advance the hunt for dark matter, as well as improve computing technology and the equipment needed to increase therapeutic stem cell production to treat cancer and blood diseases.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As an aside, often responses will come in that do attempt to diagnose a medical condition or remedy based on a brief description of a problem in a letter.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Another remedy or obstacle, depending on your viewpoint, is coming to the city in the form of speed cameras.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The catalyst for the turnaround in risk sentiment seems to be a hope that a diplomatic solution remains on the table.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Common solutions to higher gas prices are often tied to driving habits, whether that means relying less on your car and more on public transportation, or finding someone to carpool with on your way to work.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the therapies to ease symptoms were punishing.—
Courtney Crowder,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
-
But new therapies offer promise for MS patients.—
ANDREW ABRAHAMS,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Roku Smart Indoor Camera 360° SE is the ultimate cure for middle-of-the-night anxiety.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2026
-
For context, 70% expected a cure for cancer, and 10% expected an end to all civilization.—
Ariel Edwards-Levy,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Curative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curative. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
