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
Decades of levees and shipping channels destroyed protective ecosystems, leaving the region vulnerable to hurricanes; the closure of a key canal is enabling restoration.
—
Melina Walling, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Schedule time with a challenging book, as fresh ideas can soothe moods and moderate your protective instincts.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
Texas has some of the strictest antiabortion laws in the country, while Colorado has some of the most protective state laws.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
The researchers say the approach could support the development of artificial skin, soft robotics, wearable electronics, and protective textile coatings designed for demanding conditions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
However, following the uncrewed Artemis 1 lunar flight test in late 2022, it was found that ablative thermal protective material had unexpectedly chipped away from Orion's heat shield during its plunge through Earth's atmosphere.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson receives his first COVID-19 vaccine shot, then raises his fist in the air and appears to smile behind his protective face mask.
—Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Wash the protective cover at least once a month.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026
Few players really are, but Seager is more protective of the environment than most.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Melina Walling, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Schedule time with a challenging book, as fresh ideas can soothe moods and moderate your protective instincts.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
Texas has some of the strictest antiabortion laws in the country, while Colorado has some of the most protective state laws.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
The researchers say the approach could support the development of artificial skin, soft robotics, wearable electronics, and protective textile coatings designed for demanding conditions.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
However, following the uncrewed Artemis 1 lunar flight test in late 2022, it was found that ablative thermal protective material had unexpectedly chipped away from Orion's heat shield during its plunge through Earth's atmosphere.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Jackson receives his first COVID-19 vaccine shot, then raises his fist in the air and appears to smile behind his protective face mask.
—Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Wash the protective cover at least once a month.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026
Few players really are, but Seager is more protective of the environment than most.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
In early November, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide after police pursued him in a chase involving speeds of more than 145 mph.—
Mike Wilson,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Employing a hybrid back line consisting of fullback Sergi Palencia and a trio of center backs – Ryan Porteous, Nkosi Tafari and Eddie Segura – Dos Santos described the defensive effort as exceptional.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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