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 acts as a protective barrier against environmental damage.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
Wear specialized gloves and other protective gear to protect yourself when dealing with radiation.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Johnson was spotted in a protective boot on Wednesday.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Investors only show up at the last moment with the most protective terms, because in the current model that’s the only responsible move.
—Daren Smith, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2026
Such a meal should include a good source of protein, such as eggs, in order to stock up on or refuel depleted amino acids, including cysteine and methionine, which are building blocks for protective antioxidants.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
The robot sprays a protective curtain of water around its body to prevent overheating.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Holland also notes that some products even provide a protective barrier on stainless steel, which will help keep these shiny surfaces free from greasy fingerprints.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
The protective grate covering the pool drain had come undone, exposing a powerful suction opening.
—Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Mar. 2026
Wear specialized gloves and other protective gear to protect yourself when dealing with radiation.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Johnson was spotted in a protective boot on Wednesday.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Investors only show up at the last moment with the most protective terms, because in the current model that’s the only responsible move.
—Daren Smith, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2026
Such a meal should include a good source of protein, such as eggs, in order to stock up on or refuel depleted amino acids, including cysteine and methionine, which are building blocks for protective antioxidants.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
The robot sprays a protective curtain of water around its body to prevent overheating.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Holland also notes that some products even provide a protective barrier on stainless steel, which will help keep these shiny surfaces free from greasy fingerprints.
—Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
The protective grate covering the pool drain had come undone, exposing a powerful suction opening.
—Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
Junior assistant captain Sammy Ryan rewarded the defensive showing in the second period with a scrappy goal.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
While drones offer a new defensive option, Britain’s traditional naval presence in the region remains limited.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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