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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of protective
They are used as adjuvants to give the immune system an extra kick necessary to make the shots protective.
—
NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
After missing time with thumb surgery and a previous hamstring strain, Coulibaly now plays with a protective wrap on his right hand.
—Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Since then, searchers in masks, face shields and other protective equipment have scoured nearby fields and woods for the missing primates.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Another peptide, hexapeptide-11, steps in as a protective shield, slowing the breakdown of your natural HA so those moisture levels stay high over time.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025
If asbestos is found, workers on site would be observed wearing protective equipment, like hazmat suits.
—Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Prince William became ever more protective of Kate.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
In February 2022, a court granted Rachel a protective order prohibiting Johnson from contacting her.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
All visitors and workers at Humanwell are required to wear full protective gear so as to not contaminate the workspace.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
NPR, 31 Oct. 2025
After missing time with thumb surgery and a previous hamstring strain, Coulibaly now plays with a protective wrap on his right hand.
—Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Since then, searchers in masks, face shields and other protective equipment have scoured nearby fields and woods for the missing primates.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Another peptide, hexapeptide-11, steps in as a protective shield, slowing the breakdown of your natural HA so those moisture levels stay high over time.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025
If asbestos is found, workers on site would be observed wearing protective equipment, like hazmat suits.
—Dr. Mark Abdelmalek, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Prince William became ever more protective of Kate.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
In February 2022, a court granted Rachel a protective order prohibiting Johnson from contacting her.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
All visitors and workers at Humanwell are required to wear full protective gear so as to not contaminate the workspace.
—Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
Praises are sung for industry while defensive bunkers, of which Hoxha build hundreds of thousands, withstand test blasts, proving their readiness to stand up to decadent imperialist forces from the West.—
Will Tizard,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Murray has been listed as questionable alongside cornerback Will Johnson (groin), safety Kitan Crawford (ankle), defensive tackle Walter Nolen (calf) and cornerback Garrett Williams (knee).—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share