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
Bike shorts under skirts or dresses, for example, can reduce thigh friction and create a protective barrier during movement.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Collins said taxpayers should also consider filing a protective claim, which preserves their right to a refund while the legal issue is still being resolved.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Associated Press footage showed health workers in protective gear evacuating three patients, including the ship’s British doctor.
—Annie Risemberg, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Volunteers will help conduct bike safety inspections, guide young riders through a series of skills stations and fit protective helmets.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
New York City’s watchdog agency is routinely denied access to child protective services records, even in the most tragic cases when a minor has died, according to a new report.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
Health workers in protective gear arrive to evacuate patients from the MV Hondius cruise ship at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, on Wednesday.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 6 May 2026
That earlier incident prompted the New York City Council to act, passing a measure allowing police to install protective barriers around synagogues during demonstrations.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
The Secret Service member was shot during the incident, but the bullet hit the agent's protective vest, officials said.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 5 May 2026
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Collins said taxpayers should also consider filing a protective claim, which preserves their right to a refund while the legal issue is still being resolved.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Associated Press footage showed health workers in protective gear evacuating three patients, including the ship’s British doctor.
—Annie Risemberg, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Volunteers will help conduct bike safety inspections, guide young riders through a series of skills stations and fit protective helmets.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
New York City’s watchdog agency is routinely denied access to child protective services records, even in the most tragic cases when a minor has died, according to a new report.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
Health workers in protective gear arrive to evacuate patients from the MV Hondius cruise ship at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, on Wednesday.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 6 May 2026
That earlier incident prompted the New York City Council to act, passing a measure allowing police to install protective barriers around synagogues during demonstrations.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
The Secret Service member was shot during the incident, but the bullet hit the agent's protective vest, officials said.
—Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 5 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
Ever the optimist, Obama shifted out of his defensive posture.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Stay curious instead of defensive.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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