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
Prevent damage to nonstick finishes by using paper towels as a protective layer between pots and pans.
—
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
This trend reflects a growing demand for versatile protective styles beyond traditional knotless braids.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Several actresses have played Whitney Houston in various films and series and none have gone over well, partially because of how protective fans are of the late legend.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Horror seems cathartic, or psychically protective—a safe ritual that admits the reality of violence and cruelty while also warding it off, like a ceremonial demon mask.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Made with vegan leather and a stainless steel loop, this luggage tag has a matching protective AirTag holder attached.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Local leaders are taking protective measures as well.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
These compounds have powerful cellular-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Although more research is required, the team theorizes that in proper amounts, uric acid may actually have a surprising, similarly protective role in humans.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
This trend reflects a growing demand for versatile protective styles beyond traditional knotless braids.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Several actresses have played Whitney Houston in various films and series and none have gone over well, partially because of how protective fans are of the late legend.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Horror seems cathartic, or psychically protective—a safe ritual that admits the reality of violence and cruelty while also warding it off, like a ceremonial demon mask.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Made with vegan leather and a stainless steel loop, this luggage tag has a matching protective AirTag holder attached.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Local leaders are taking protective measures as well.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
These compounds have powerful cellular-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Although more research is required, the team theorizes that in proper amounts, uric acid may actually have a surprising, similarly protective role in humans.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
-
Bethune actually departed for one series for reasons that went unexplained, with Curtis Robinson taking over, but was back after a few plays as the defensive play-caller.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam blocked Stevens’ low, line-drive kick, and the ball caromed backward to the 35-yard line.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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