as in preventative
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening
prior to the game, we moved the furniture out of the way as a precautionary measure
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Recent Examples of precautionary
She will be tested again as a precautionary measure, the ministry added.
—
Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 9 May 2026
These proposals rely heavily on theoretical risk models, selective interpretation of data and precautionary assumptions rather than demonstrated real-world patterns of harm sufficient to justify criminalization.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
The mussels have clogged siphons used to move delta water to farmers, covered intake screens at the Contra Costa Water District, and caused the East Bay Municipal Utility District to close all of its reservoirs last year to boaters as a precautionary measure.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
As a precautionary measure, the University also suspended system access.
—Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 8 May 2026
He is currently being treated in a hospital in Zurich and his wife is self-isolating as a precautionary measure, according to Oceanwide Expeditions, the company that owns the cruise ship.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Although that is a powerful place to start, what this moment calls for is beyond any professional practice, and broadly harkens back to the precautionary principle.
—Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Authorities in the West African island nation have denied the MV Hondius permission to dock at the port of Praia as a precautionary measure, complicating efforts to evacuate sick passengers and provide urgent medical care.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026
The remaining passengers, who are from 23 different countries, including 17 Americans, are required to follow strict precautionary measures, including isolation and medical monitoring, the cruise operator said.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 4 May 2026
Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 9 May 2026
These proposals rely heavily on theoretical risk models, selective interpretation of data and precautionary assumptions rather than demonstrated real-world patterns of harm sufficient to justify criminalization.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
The mussels have clogged siphons used to move delta water to farmers, covered intake screens at the Contra Costa Water District, and caused the East Bay Municipal Utility District to close all of its reservoirs last year to boaters as a precautionary measure.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
As a precautionary measure, the University also suspended system access.
—Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 8 May 2026
He is currently being treated in a hospital in Zurich and his wife is self-isolating as a precautionary measure, according to Oceanwide Expeditions, the company that owns the cruise ship.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Although that is a powerful place to start, what this moment calls for is beyond any professional practice, and broadly harkens back to the precautionary principle.
—Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Authorities in the West African island nation have denied the MV Hondius permission to dock at the port of Praia as a precautionary measure, complicating efforts to evacuate sick passengers and provide urgent medical care.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026
The remaining passengers, who are from 23 different countries, including 17 Americans, are required to follow strict precautionary measures, including isolation and medical monitoring, the cruise operator said.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precautionary
Adjective
-
On homelessness, Munson wants to double down on preventative measures such as rental assistance as well as permanent supportive housing.—
Luis Melecio-Zambrano,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
-
In many cases, the cost of dealing with a massive infestation can be higher than the yearly cost of a preventative plan.—
Kody Boye,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Other goals include avoiding misdiagnoses, properly managing disease, identifying people for clinical trials and making headway on preventive therapies.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
The preventive encumbrance can be lifted in seconds — but only by the rightful owner.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precautionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precautionary. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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