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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preventive
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026
The Vitality program from life insurance company John Hancock rewards policyholders with points for healthy behaviors such as going to the gym, buying healthy foods, tracking sleep, getting preventive screenings and check-ups.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 25 May 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
Sulfur prevents fungal spores from germinating and must be applied as a preventive measure before the disease develops for effective results.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026
The Vitality program from life insurance company John Hancock rewards policyholders with points for healthy behaviors such as going to the gym, buying healthy foods, tracking sleep, getting preventive screenings and check-ups.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 25 May 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
-
Officials recommended several preventative measures, including keeping pets vaccinated against rabies.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
Environmental advocates, however, argue the RMP helps protects residents near chemical facilities by requiring preventative safety measures and should be strengthened and expanded, according to the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
The doctor intentionally left the remainder of the tumor as a precaution against possible brain damage due to excessively invasive surgery.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
The program currently requires companies to submit a plan to the EPA outlining safety precautions, hazard assessments in the case of an accidental release and emergency response steps.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
