as in preventive
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening
the many prophylactic measures that city officials could have taken to reduce the scope of the disaster
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Recent Examples of prophylactic
While cases are likely to be fatal when symptoms show up, Harrist told the outlet that a five-shot prophylactic course during a two-week period after being exposed, had a high chance of preventing sickness.
—
Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
For example, when patients undergo surgery to remove a tumour, they are often given prophylactic antibiotics to prevent post-operative infections.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
People with weakened immune systems may also benefit from using a laundry sanitizer as a prophylactic measure.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
And he’s got a prophylactic nasal rinse, which, actually, he’s come to sort of like for reasons that don’t have much to do with COVID.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prophylactic
Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
For example, when patients undergo surgery to remove a tumour, they are often given prophylactic antibiotics to prevent post-operative infections.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
People with weakened immune systems may also benefit from using a laundry sanitizer as a prophylactic measure.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
And he’s got a prophylactic nasal rinse, which, actually, he’s come to sort of like for reasons that don’t have much to do with COVID.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prophylactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophylactic
Adjective
-
Despite over a century of investigation, there is still no cure, but advances in diagnostic tools, treatments and preventive strategies continue to offer hope for slowing the disease and improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
For children, Arizona consistently ranks below the national average for preventive dental visits.—
Sixteen Ramos,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Prophylactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prophylactic. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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