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 means creating materials that are light enough to bring into space but protective enough to keep radiation at bay, says Philip Metzger, a professor of planetary science and space technology at the University of Central Florida, who was not involved in the new study.
—
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Lotion focuses on exactly that, combining intense hydration with ingredients that help reinforce the skin’s natural protective layer.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Ortiz has also been issued a protective order applying to Rihanna, Rocky and their neighbors.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The flip cover serves both as a protective case and a sturdy stand for easy placement anywhere.
—ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Reports based on interviews with miners and local residents describe grueling 12-hour shifts with little or no protective equipment, exposing workers to constant risk of injury and disease.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Wilkens later failed to come to court to extend the protective order, too frightened to see Carlton in person.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Still, in regions where the most robust legal protections and protective programs have been put into place, female farmworkers say things have started to improve.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
The protective sleeve is kind of like a cross between the AirPods Max thin cover and a full-on hard case.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 25 Mar. 2026
Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Lotion focuses on exactly that, combining intense hydration with ingredients that help reinforce the skin’s natural protective layer.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Ortiz has also been issued a protective order applying to Rihanna, Rocky and their neighbors.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
The flip cover serves both as a protective case and a sturdy stand for easy placement anywhere.
—ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Reports based on interviews with miners and local residents describe grueling 12-hour shifts with little or no protective equipment, exposing workers to constant risk of injury and disease.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Wilkens later failed to come to court to extend the protective order, too frightened to see Carlton in person.
—Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
Still, in regions where the most robust legal protections and protective programs have been put into place, female farmworkers say things have started to improve.
—Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
The protective sleeve is kind of like a cross between the AirPods Max thin cover and a full-on hard case.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
The Wave led for a majority of the match after taking advantage of Utah's defensive blunders when Maria Eduarda Rodrigues Silva scored in the 17th minute.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
During this recent stretch, the Hornets have been impressive in a variety of ways, utilizing high defensive intensity and connectedness.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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