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
Two main strategies to eradicate the virus exist: prophylactic vaccines, to prevent initial infection, and therapeutic vaccines, to help people already infected.
—
Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
With their current study, the researchers are seeking to shift the paradigm and adopt a more proactive, prophylactic approach to pain management.
—New Atlas, 5 Dec. 2024
As a result, members of the latter group might consider a prophylactic mastectomy, whereas for others, the benefits of surgery are unlikely to outweigh the drawbacks.
—Amanda Montañez, Scientific American, 27 Sep. 2024
In Maria, the 49-year-old actress returns to portray opera icon Maria Callas, which marks Jolie’s first major film appearance following her decision to undergo a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction in 2013 due to her BRCA1 gene mutation and elevated risk of breast cancer.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 5 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for prophylactic
Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
With their current study, the researchers are seeking to shift the paradigm and adopt a more proactive, prophylactic approach to pain management.
—New Atlas, 5 Dec. 2024
As a result, members of the latter group might consider a prophylactic mastectomy, whereas for others, the benefits of surgery are unlikely to outweigh the drawbacks.
—Amanda Montañez, Scientific American, 27 Sep. 2024
In Maria, the 49-year-old actress returns to portray opera icon Maria Callas, which marks Jolie’s first major film appearance following her decision to undergo a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction in 2013 due to her BRCA1 gene mutation and elevated risk of breast cancer.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 5 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for prophylactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophylactic
preventive
Adjective
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Fluoride is especially important to young children whose teeth are developing and who may have relied on fluoride in the water as their only source of preventive dental care.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2025
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The company regularly highlights internal data showing that these members have fewer hospital admissions and higher engagement in preventive care.—
Seth Joseph,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prophylactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prophylactic. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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