as in preventive
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening
the department in charge of taking preventative measures against international terrorism
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as in insurance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preventative
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Taking action at the height of termite swarm season can mean the difference between a quick preventative treatment and costly structural repairs.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Some doctors also prescribe antivirals as a preventative for people who are at high risk for the virus if they are exposed.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preventative
Adjective
While the risk of transmission remains very low, experts said wearing an N95 respirator and maintaining good hand hygiene by washing often are the best preventative measures.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Taking action at the height of termite swarm season can mean the difference between a quick preventative treatment and costly structural repairs.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Noun
Clayful partners with schools to provide preventative, pre-clinical mental health coaching to students.
—Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Some doctors also prescribe antivirals as a preventative for people who are at high risk for the virus if they are exposed.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preventative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventative
Adjective
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This is why providers may recommend preventive medications before surgery, imaging tests with contrast dye, or even minor procedures.—
Suchandrima Bhowmik,
Health,
15 May 2026
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What to Do If Your Termite Prevention Fails If preventive measures fail, call a pro.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Stoneman Douglas, which left the bases loaded in the first and fourth innings, finally pushed an insurance run home in the top of the seventh.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
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One trust would collect money from the church, parishes, schools and insurance settlements to compensate survivors, while the second trust would manage litigation and insurance claims against insurers that did not settle.—
Bridget Byrne,
Baltimore Sun,
17 May 2026
Noun
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Just be sure to follow the directions and take proper safety precautions to avoid breathing in the spray.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preventative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventative. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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