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
Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
One cup of cooked oatmeal already provides about six grams of protein, Stephani Johnson, RDN, DCN, an adjunct professor of clinical and preventive nutrition services at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, told Verywell.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
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
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the expansion of Westchester Medical Center’s service capacity means more patients can receive preventive and lifesaving care close to home.
—Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
One cup of cooked oatmeal already provides about six grams of protein, Stephani Johnson, RDN, DCN, an adjunct professor of clinical and preventive nutrition services at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, told Verywell.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
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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He is charged with first-degree murder, battery, battery of a household member and tampering with evidence, and is being held under preventative detention.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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According to Josh Johnson, director of Training and Outreach at Nashville's Sexual Assault Center, no tool is 100% effective, but testing strips like Spikey are one of many preventative measures.—
Gabrielle Chenault,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Considerations Before Getting Started As with any intensive cleaning project, Stein suggests using proper safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks and properly ventilating your space.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
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Residents are advised to take immediate precautions to protect plants susceptible to cold damage.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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