contraceptive
noun
con·tra·cep·tive
ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv 
plural contraceptives
: a device or preparation that is designed to prevent conception
especially
: a device or preparation (such as an IUD or birth control pill) that typically contains progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen and that prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, or thins the uterine lining in order to prevent conception
Hormonal contraceptives … sometimes cause midcycle bleeding or missed periods, while IUDs can lead to heavy monthly bleeding. —
Stacey Colino
Stacey Colino A progestin-based contraceptive composed of six matchstick-size capsules that are placed under the skin of a woman's arm for up to five years … —Ms. Magazine
see also oral contraceptive, long-acting reversible contraceptive compare contraception sense 2
Ms. Magazine Examples of contraceptive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For people in perimenopause, options may include combined hormonal contraceptives, especially when birth control or bleeding control is also needed, says Faubion.
—Kara Smythe, EverydayHealth.com, 15 May 2026
There is also some evidence that progesterone-only contraceptives and hormonal IUDs may worsen symptoms in certain patients, likely due to the androgenic effects of progesterone or lower estradiol levels.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
Decades of research indicate that the hormones used in contraceptives, menopause care, and IVF are safe for the large majority of people.
—Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
For many, these new long-acting contraceptives were liberatory, offering unprecedented reproductive control.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
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Kara Smythe, EverydayHealth.com, 15 May 2026
There is also some evidence that progesterone-only contraceptives and hormonal IUDs may worsen symptoms in certain patients, likely due to the androgenic effects of progesterone or lower estradiol levels.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
Decades of research indicate that the hormones used in contraceptives, menopause care, and IVF are safe for the large majority of people.
—Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
For many, these new long-acting contraceptives were liberatory, offering unprecedented reproductive control.
—Sonya Borrero, STAT, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraceptive
Cite this Entry
“Contraceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraceptive. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
contraceptive
1 of 2 noun
con·tra·cep·tive
ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv
: a device or preparation (such as an IUD or birth control pill) that typically contains progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen and that prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, or thins the uterine lining in order to prevent conception
… contraceptives were classified as combination contraceptives if they included estrogen and progestin in each cycle … and as progestin-only contraceptives if they contained only progestin throughout the cycle.—Polly A. Marchbanks et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
Polly A. Marchbanks et al., The New England Journal of MedicineHormonal contraceptives … are frequently used by athletes to treat … MI [=menstrual irregularity], reduce menstrual symptoms (e.g., bloating, cramping), and reduce conditions secondary to excessive monthly blood loss, as well as for birth control.—Jennifer Cheng et al., American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitiation
see also long-acting reversible contraceptive, oral contraceptive compare contraception sense 2
Jennifer Cheng et al., American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitiationcontraceptive
2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or involving the prevention of conception or pregnancy
contraceptive devices
contraceptive efficacy
see also contraceptive implant, contraceptive pill, intrauterine contraceptive device, oral contraceptive pill
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