Synonyms of prophylactic

prophylactic

adjective

ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preventive
• preventative
• precautionary
• blocking
• deterring
• deterrent
• neutralizing
• frustrating
• negating
• nullifying
• baffling
• retardant
• thwarting
• hampering
• hindering
• foiling
• impeding
• balking
• stalling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assisting
• aiding
• facilitating
• smoothing
• promoting
• nurturing
• encouraging
• fostering
• abetting
• forwarding
• easing
• furthering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prophylactic

Seers followed diagnosis with a prophylactic treatment, analogous to when tech companies prescribe more tech to deal with the problems that arise from tech. — Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026

The plan may be flawed, but making one is a kind of prophylactic. — Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026

Jonathan Gholston of Jacksonville pleaded guilty March 2 to conspiring to collect kickbacks by referring Medicare and Medicaid recipients to receive prophylactic medicines that prevent infection with the virus that causes AIDS. — Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 3 Mar. 2026

Other risks include asymmetry, under- and over-correction, infections (very rare), and viral reactivation in those prone to herpes (a prophylactic dose of Valtrex can help prevent it). — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026