Synonyms of preventive

preventive 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈven-tiv 

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

• preventative
• prophylactic
• precautionary
• deterring
• blocking
• deterrent
• neutralizing
• frustrating
• nullifying
• negating
• baffling
• retardant
• hampering
• thwarting
• hindering
• impeding
• foiling
• balking
• stalling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assisting
• aiding
• facilitating
• smoothing
• promoting
• nurturing
• encouraging
• abetting
• fostering
• forwarding
• easing
• furthering

preventive

2 of 2

noun

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

• precaution
• safeguard
• protection
• palladium
• fail-safe
• caution
• shield
• wall
• screen
• armor
• ward
• cover
• guard

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preventive

Adjective

While doctors say vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of measles and other diseases, preventive efforts like isolating sick people and notifying those who have been exposed to them are also key. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025

As with most infectious diseases, an important preventive practice is handwashing. —Jude Coleman, Scientific American, 14 Mar. 2025

Noun

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

Once experts predict a potential outbreak, who funds the necessary preventive and containment measures? —Mallory Locklear, Discover Magazine, 20 Aug. 2018