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
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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
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Recent Examples of preventive
Zach Dyer, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Women in the first group are notified of their results, educated about heart disease risk and encouraged to consult a preventive cardiologist.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023
In the end, however, experts say there is only one true preventive — or cure — for a hangover: Don’t drink.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for preventive
Adjective
For example, a doctor’s office may mistakenly code the lab work required for PrEP as a diagnostic test instead of preventive care.
—Zach Dyer, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Women in the first group are notified of their results, educated about heart disease risk and encouraged to consult a preventive cardiologist.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026
Noun
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
In the end, however, experts say there is only one true preventive — or cure — for a hangover: Don’t drink.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for preventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventive
Adjective
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As part of her job, Lipuo motivated her coworkers to get tested for HIV and take preventative measures to avoid infection.—
Majirata Latela,
The Dial,
13 Jan. 2026
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Common issues like ice dams, leaks, and clogs can all be avoided with preventative gutter maintenance.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In absence of more robust testing, Bill Shuster, a Wayne State University environmental engineering professor and soils expert, said residents using vacant land where a demolition has occurred should take their own precautions.—
Violet Ikonomova,
Freep.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Elias Lindholm, who left Saturday’s blowout as a precaution because of a nagging injury, was back in the lineup.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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