as in preventive
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening
the department in charge of taking preventative measures against international terrorism
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as in insurance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preventative
Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Public safety must be both preventative and compassionate.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025
This includes enough food, water, prescription medications, and heartworm and flea/tick preventatives to last at least five days.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preventative
Adjective
Paying for preventative care saves money in the long run.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Public safety must be both preventative and compassionate.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Noun
Some doctors also prescribe antivirals as a preventative for people who are at high risk for the virus if they are exposed.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025
This includes enough food, water, prescription medications, and heartworm and flea/tick preventatives to last at least five days.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preventative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventative
Adjective
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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
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The preventive encumbrance can be lifted in seconds — but only by the rightful owner.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
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In the wake of devastating wildfires, Californians are facing a property insurance crisis.—
Teagan Davidge,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
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That frustration rings especially true in Colorado, where insurance premiums have been climbing thanks to escalating wildfire and weather risks, a concern the Hippo report identifies as a major pressure point across the Mountain region.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
Noun
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When cleaning areas like a garden shed or garage, de la Sancha advises Chicagoans to take precautions.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
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The study found that sixty-five per cent of female students and thirty per cent of male students felt the need to take some precautions during their transit trips.—
Oren Peleg,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventative. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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