as in defensive
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
the cat drew back its ears and sank into a protective posture as the dog approached it
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Recent Examples of protective
Constructing protective structures such as levees and dikes can help, as can preserving natural landscapes, such as wetlands and estuaries that can act as a natural sponge to absorb floodwaters, in and near the cities, Shao and her colleagues wrote.
—
Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Alan retired from performing in 1987 after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2026
That some of these offenders have attempted to wrap themselves in the protective cocoon of free speech reflects their ignorance of how First Amendment protections work in the real world.
—Bob Ehrlich, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
Common varieties like almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are easy ways to boost heart-protective nutrients in your diet.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026
The arrangement is in effect until the pair's next hearing on April 30, when the judge will review their competing protective orders.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Make sure to wear a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear when working with these chemicals, and always follow product directions when using.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
About half of murders of women by an intimate partner occur as or after a woman tries to leave the relationship or when she is involved in civil family law proceedings, including civil protective orders, child custody, separation and divorce.
—Kathryn Spearman, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
Community is one of the most consistent protective factors in infertility mental health research.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Alan retired from performing in 1987 after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2026
That some of these offenders have attempted to wrap themselves in the protective cocoon of free speech reflects their ignorance of how First Amendment protections work in the real world.
—Bob Ehrlich, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
Common varieties like almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are easy ways to boost heart-protective nutrients in your diet.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026
The arrangement is in effect until the pair's next hearing on April 30, when the judge will review their competing protective orders.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Make sure to wear a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear when working with these chemicals, and always follow product directions when using.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
About half of murders of women by an intimate partner occur as or after a woman tries to leave the relationship or when she is involved in civil family law proceedings, including civil protective orders, child custody, separation and divorce.
—Kathryn Spearman, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
Community is one of the most consistent protective factors in infertility mental health research.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
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For almost an hour at BMO Stadium, the defensive efforts of the Los Angeles Football Club and San Jose Earthquakes held up.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Gilgeous-Alexander — the reigning NBA MVP — is one of the finalists for this year’s top individual honor, along with Denver’s Nikola Jokic and the Spurs’ Wembanyama, who is also a finalist for defensive player of the year.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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