as in preventative
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening
if you start taking this preventive medicine now, you may not get sick after all
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
if people took the simple preventive of frequently washing their hands, the spread of germs could be greatly reduced
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preventive
La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2026
But there are considerable county and state differences in the adoption of preventive measures and access to cancer services.
—Arthur Cosby, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 15 June 2023
Finding and treating the stomach infection Helicobacter pylori can also be considered as a preventive for people who are about to start a course on NSAIDs.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for preventive
Adjective
From advanced cosmetic smile design to preventive care and full-mouth rehabilitation, our goal is to help patients feel healthier, more confident and truly cared for.
—La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2026
But there are considerable county and state differences in the adoption of preventive measures and access to cancer services.
—Arthur Cosby, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
Noun
But although human vaccines function primarily as preventives, offering immunity to animals such as black-footed ferrets can be a conservation strategy of last resort.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 15 June 2023
Finding and treating the stomach infection Helicobacter pylori can also be considered as a preventive for people who are about to start a course on NSAIDs.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for preventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventive
Adjective
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Designed to help support healthier teeth, better sleep, and less jaw discomfort, ClearClub makes preventative dental care simple, convenient and more affordable.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
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The agency reminded residents to regularly inspect their homes for potential fire hazards, take preventative measures and maintain their smoke alarms.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
19 June 2026
Noun
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
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Thirty homes below the Anchor Lake dam in southern Mississippi were being evacuated as a precaution due to concerns that rising waters could overwhelm the spillways and compromise the structure, Reeves said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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