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
This mindset can serve as a protective layer against depression, anxiety, and poor mental health, which can lead to poor aging.
—
Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Feb. 2026
Always wear protective gear like gloves and a face mask.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Whole grains, on the other hand, have a protective effect on health.
—Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
The couple’s two surviving children were placed under a 10-year protective order by the court.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Arnot cautioned that the findings do not mean cancer itself is protective.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
As Cancer signs are protective, empathic and deeply attuned to emotional undercurrents, the actor is able to embody that as his character Evan serves as the group’s moral compass.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
Pairing silver with gold or other hard assets can help smooth volatility while preserving the long-term protective qualities that attract investors in the first place.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Lowers Heart Disease Risk Blackberries are packed with heart-protective compounds like fiber, isoform, and anthocyanins.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2026
Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 4 Feb. 2026
Always wear protective gear like gloves and a face mask.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Whole grains, on the other hand, have a protective effect on health.
—Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
The couple’s two surviving children were placed under a 10-year protective order by the court.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Arnot cautioned that the findings do not mean cancer itself is protective.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
As Cancer signs are protective, empathic and deeply attuned to emotional undercurrents, the actor is able to embody that as his character Evan serves as the group’s moral compass.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
Pairing silver with gold or other hard assets can help smooth volatility while preserving the long-term protective qualities that attract investors in the first place.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Lowers Heart Disease Risk Blackberries are packed with heart-protective compounds like fiber, isoform, and anthocyanins.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
But after a shoulder injury to Trevin Wallace, Rozeboom played 100 percent of the defensive snaps in the last four games, including the wild-card loss to the Rams.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
He was touched by Steelers defensive end Dwight White, who was credited with the sack.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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