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
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Recent Examples of preventive
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The new Veterinary Treatment Facility provides a range of services from preventive care and diagnostic testing to certain surgical procedures.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 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
Snout, to this end, focuses on covering preventive care, and effectively turns vet bills into memberships.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The new Veterinary Treatment Facility provides a range of services from preventive care and diagnostic testing to certain surgical procedures.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 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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What may appear an extreme response could also prove preventative.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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Stroger Hospital is also concerned about the number of people who will put off preventative care due to a lack of insurance and end up needing much more intense medical care later.—
Tara Molina,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Tisch said as a precaution, the NYPD will be increasing security around houses of worship across all five boroughs.—
Naveen Dhaliwal,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
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Wind chills as low as -11 degrees are expected, which can result in hypothermia without proper precautions.—
Lillian Metzmeier,
Louisville Courier Journal,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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