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
If successful, this technology could produce longer-lasting, blowout-resistant tires and more protective electronics cases.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
Each piece is crafted from solid acacia wood that is naturally weather-resistant and sealed with a protective finish for an extra layer of durability.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
The California Office of Health Hazard Assessment sets a protective threshold of 30 ppb for sensitive groups, including children and older adults.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
That means someone walking the same route every day isn’t getting the same protective effect as someone mixing walking, lifting, cycling and recreational sport.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Someone hitting their step count entirely on a treadmill isn’t getting the same protective effect as someone splitting time across walking, strength training and a recreational sport.
—Allison Palmer
june 3, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
The project will replace seals, low side bushings, protective devices and conservator bladders in the transformers.
—D. Hunter Reardon, USA Today, 3 June 2026
How to Perform a Tick Drag To perform a tick drag, put on your personal protective gear and then take a five-inch square swatch of a light-colored fabric, such as linen, and tie it to an 18-inch pole or stick.
—Molly Burford, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
Benefits of Staining a Deck Wooden decks require some type of protective paint, stain, or sealant to remain in good condition for years to come.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026
Each piece is crafted from solid acacia wood that is naturally weather-resistant and sealed with a protective finish for an extra layer of durability.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
The California Office of Health Hazard Assessment sets a protective threshold of 30 ppb for sensitive groups, including children and older adults.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
That means someone walking the same route every day isn’t getting the same protective effect as someone mixing walking, lifting, cycling and recreational sport.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Someone hitting their step count entirely on a treadmill isn’t getting the same protective effect as someone splitting time across walking, strength training and a recreational sport.
—Allison Palmer
june 3, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
The project will replace seals, low side bushings, protective devices and conservator bladders in the transformers.
—D. Hunter Reardon, USA Today, 3 June 2026
How to Perform a Tick Drag To perform a tick drag, put on your personal protective gear and then take a five-inch square swatch of a light-colored fabric, such as linen, and tie it to an 18-inch pole or stick.
—Molly Burford, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
Benefits of Staining a Deck Wooden decks require some type of protective paint, stain, or sealant to remain in good condition for years to come.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
Point Loma threatened to tie the game in the sixth and probably would have done so if not for the defensive play of the game.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
The Diablos’ emergence showed with three sparkling defensive plays and a lead going into the bottom of the fifth inning.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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