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

That means street outreach, conflict resolution and workforce development opportunities on the preventative side, as well as counseling and logistical support after shootings occur. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Arenberg Seltzer said children’s councils like hers were created because the state wasn’t putting money toward preventative children’s care. — Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 15 July 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