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
Many women with natural hair can empathize with the breakage concerns and tediousness that can arise when taking down protective styles.
—
Caché McClay, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Some dietary supplements can help with bloating by improving factors like gut bacteria, digestion, and the gut’s protective barrier.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Nov. 2025
The final man, in a last-second protective reflex, bows his head and crosses his hands over it, but bullets send him flying backward, and the other militiamen join in, firing repeatedly at the dead bodies.
—Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
The same day of his resignation, a second employee filed a protective order against Bush.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 7 Nov. 2025
Authorities soon discovered that James had filed for a protective order against her husband, Marine Cpl.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025
In the security audit, ANSSI reportedly recommended the Louvre boost its cyber security as well as move away from outdated software that could jeopardize its protective stance.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
If the new fiber is adopted, bullet proof vests and protective gear could soon be far more safe and effective.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
This flood of cheap Chinese goods has squeezed manufacturers among trading partners from Mexico to Europe, which have begun contemplating protective measures.
—Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Caché McClay, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Some dietary supplements can help with bloating by improving factors like gut bacteria, digestion, and the gut’s protective barrier.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Nov. 2025
The final man, in a last-second protective reflex, bows his head and crosses his hands over it, but bullets send him flying backward, and the other militiamen join in, firing repeatedly at the dead bodies.
—Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
The same day of his resignation, a second employee filed a protective order against Bush.
—Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 7 Nov. 2025
Authorities soon discovered that James had filed for a protective order against her husband, Marine Cpl.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025
In the security audit, ANSSI reportedly recommended the Louvre boost its cyber security as well as move away from outdated software that could jeopardize its protective stance.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
If the new fiber is adopted, bullet proof vests and protective gear could soon be far more safe and effective.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
This flood of cheap Chinese goods has squeezed manufacturers among trading partners from Mexico to Europe, which have begun contemplating protective measures.
—Shaoyu Yuan, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
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Dak Brinkley shows pass rushing ability KU freshman defensive end Dak Brinkley recorded the first two sacks of his college career on back-to-back plays in the second quarter.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
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On the defensive end, Josh Moten had 3 of the 5 Southern Miss interceptions and 6 tackles.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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