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
Prevent damage to nonstick finishes by using paper towels as a protective layer between pots and pans.
—
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
This trend reflects a growing demand for versatile protective styles beyond traditional knotless braids.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Several actresses have played Whitney Houston in various films and series and none have gone over well, partially because of how protective fans are of the late legend.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Horror seems cathartic, or psychically protective—a safe ritual that admits the reality of violence and cruelty while also warding it off, like a ceremonial demon mask.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Made with vegan leather and a stainless steel loop, this luggage tag has a matching protective AirTag holder attached.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Local leaders are taking protective measures as well.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
These compounds have powerful cellular-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Although more research is required, the team theorizes that in proper amounts, uric acid may actually have a surprising, similarly protective role in humans.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
This trend reflects a growing demand for versatile protective styles beyond traditional knotless braids.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Several actresses have played Whitney Houston in various films and series and none have gone over well, partially because of how protective fans are of the late legend.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Horror seems cathartic, or psychically protective—a safe ritual that admits the reality of violence and cruelty while also warding it off, like a ceremonial demon mask.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Made with vegan leather and a stainless steel loop, this luggage tag has a matching protective AirTag holder attached.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Local leaders are taking protective measures as well.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
These compounds have powerful cellular-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Although more research is required, the team theorizes that in proper amounts, uric acid may actually have a surprising, similarly protective role in humans.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
Strong defensive line play from both sides kept the game low scoring, but a second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown and a lengthy fourth-quarter drive provided all the offense Thayer needed to pull off a 14-0 upset victory over the previously unbeaten Lions.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Shortstop is Mayer's natural position, and by moving Story over to second base, the team can maximize the young star's defensive potential and try to reduce their defensive miscues for next season.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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