Synonyms of preventative

preventative 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈven-tə-tiv 

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

• preventive
• prophylactic
• precautionary
• deterring
• blocking
• deterrent
• neutralizing
• frustrating
• negating
• nullifying
• baffling
• retardant
• hampering
• thwarting
• hindering
• impeding
• foiling
• balking
• stalling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assisting
• aiding
• facilitating
• smoothing
• promoting
• nurturing
• encouraging
• abetting
• fostering
• forwarding
• easing
• furthering

preventative

2 of 2

noun

as in insurance

Related Words

• preventive
• insurance
• precaution
• safeguard
• palladium
• lock
• defense
• fail-safe
• shield
• protection
• caution
• wall
• screen
• guardianship
• ward
• armor
• shelter
• refuge
• asylum
• retreat
• cover
• guard
• aegis
• harbor
• haven
• invulnerability
• inviolability
• invincibility
• invincibleness
• impregnability
• invulnerableness
• inviolableness
• impregnableness

Dissimilar Words

• threat
• risk
• hazard
• instability
• precariousness
• exposure
• liability
• vulnerability
• susceptibility
• openness
• vulnerableness
• harm's way
• violability
• susceptibleness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preventative

Adjective

The problem isn’t a shortage of data, but rather the reality that the preventative measure is taken only after the organization has incurred substantial losses. — Bankim Chandra, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Worthington and Oborski see the program as both a formidable response during an active incident and a preventative measure that deters potential school shooters from attacking in the first place. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Noun

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

Clayful partners with schools to provide preventative, pre-clinical mental health coaching to students. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026