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
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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
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Recent Examples of preventive
Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
Because areas in and around yards and residential locations are prime for bites, Fredericks advises taking preventive steps on your own property.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 May 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
Social Security payment amounts are set to shrink unless Congress takes preventive action.
—Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
Because areas in and around yards and residential locations are prime for bites, Fredericks advises taking preventive steps on your own property.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 May 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
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Many Americans also describe emotional exhaustion with the overall experience of navigating healthcare itself, from insurance disputes and fragmented care to long wait times and limited access to preventative treatment options.—
Meggen Harris,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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When preventative maintenance is delayed, small issues become major failures, turning manageable repairs into expensive emergency projects that strain the county budget and slow response times.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 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
“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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