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
Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026
There are financial benefits to preventive care, too.
—NBC news, 1 Apr. 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
He is known for his advocacy in advancing preventive healthcare models, with an emphasis on the role of lifestyle interventions in managing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.
—Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026
There are financial benefits to preventive care, too.
—NBC news, 1 Apr. 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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People without health insurance tend to seek less preventative treatment, become sick more frequently, and die younger than do people with insurance.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
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O'Hara acknowledged that various groups within the city are working on preventative measures.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The shelter is also urging pet owners to take precautions at home.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
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Self did miss a game in January against Colorado, when he was taken to a hospital as a precaution, the school noted at the time.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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