as in preventative
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening
if you start taking this preventive medicine now, you may not get sick after all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
if people took the simple preventive of frequently washing their hands, the spread of germs could be greatly reduced
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 preventive
Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Research shows that patients who distrust their health care providers are more likely to delay care, including preventive screenings, and discontinue their medications, and that those patterns are associated with higher rates of hospitalization and premature death.
—Oni Blackstock, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023
In the end, however, experts say there is only one true preventive — or cure — for a hangover: Don’t drink.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for preventive
Adjective
Both a preventive approach for users and a keen focus on privacy from the creators of these chatbots are necessary to mitigate further abuse.
—Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Research shows that patients who distrust their health care providers are more likely to delay care, including preventive screenings, and discontinue their medications, and that those patterns are associated with higher rates of hospitalization and premature death.
—Oni Blackstock, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
Finding and treating the stomach infection Helicobacter pylori can also be considered as a preventive for people who are about to start a course on NSAIDs.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023
In the end, however, experts say there is only one true preventive — or cure — for a hangover: Don’t drink.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for preventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventive
Adjective
-
The report also noted that preventative measures could be taken through a change in legislation or policy to adjust priority levels for similar cases.—
Shannon Tyler
March 27,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
-
While the use of bullet-proof glass at the board meetings may be extreme, there are sensible preventative measures that associations should consider to provide for the safety and wellbeing of residents and staff.—
Evonne Andris,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
