preventative 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈven-tə-tiv How to pronounce preventative (audio)
Definition of preventativenext
as in preventive
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening the department in charge of taking preventative measures against international terrorism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

preventative

2 of 2

noun

as in insurance

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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 preventative
Adjective
Many health systems have started to adopt social prescribing not only as a complement to medical treatment, but as a preventative approach to reduce the need for more intensive care. — Grant Oliphant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Secure-storage laws cut through traditional policy debates by focusing on a straightforward, preventative standard. — Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
Fuel injector cleaners are an efficient, low-cost preventative. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2026 Vaccinations and other preventatives against ever-evolving germs do not on their own guarantee personal safety—only eradication can do that. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preventative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventative
  1. preventive
  2. insurance
  3. precaution
Adjective
  • Qualifying power systems must operate without human intervention and without preventive or corrective work on their main propulsion, fuel and oil systems.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • For decades, America’s dietitians have struggled against low salaries, the product of a system in which preventive care, including nutrition, is undervalued.
    — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • But the unyielding free market advocate likely became just as well known for his opposition to Proposition 103, the landmark 1988 insurance initiative that regulated the industry following a period of skyrocketing auto premiums.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • There are also in-office procedures designed to help the oil glands in your eyelids work better, although those can be pricey and are often not covered by insurance.
    — Maria Godoy, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of insurance
Noun
  • Preventing Naegleria fowleri cases Williams said people should focus on taking precautions when entering fresh water.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In accordance with town protocol, officials suspended swimming at South Beach for several hours as a precaution, allowing personnel to assess conditions before later lifting the water restrictions.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of precaution

Browse Nearby Words

preventable
preventative
prevented
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Cite this Entry

“Preventative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventative. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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