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
Those prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law include those with a felony conviction, anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order.
—
Paul Kiefer, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026
And numerous studies, including new research in 2025, show covid vaccine benefits include a reduction in the severity of disease, although the protective effects wane over time.
—Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Seeds need the right conditions to break out of their protective seed coat.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
The adjustable hood is plush and protective, while the overall finish is water-repellent enough to keep me warm and dry in light rain or snow.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
Both are protective of love, family and emotional loyalty, seeking connections that hold real feelings.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Because of the protective order related to that incident, he isn’t allowed to see her or their kids, Melody, 7, and Epik, who turned 6 last month.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
And numerous studies, including new research in 2025, show COVID vaccine benefits include a reduction in the severity of disease, although the protective effects wane over time.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
To address the challenge, the German researchers created a core-shell anode that separates energy storage from protective film formation.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026
Paul Kiefer, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026
And numerous studies, including new research in 2025, show covid vaccine benefits include a reduction in the severity of disease, although the protective effects wane over time.
—Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Seeds need the right conditions to break out of their protective seed coat.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
The adjustable hood is plush and protective, while the overall finish is water-repellent enough to keep me warm and dry in light rain or snow.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
Both are protective of love, family and emotional loyalty, seeking connections that hold real feelings.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Because of the protective order related to that incident, he isn’t allowed to see her or their kids, Melody, 7, and Epik, who turned 6 last month.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
And numerous studies, including new research in 2025, show COVID vaccine benefits include a reduction in the severity of disease, although the protective effects wane over time.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
To address the challenge, the German researchers created a core-shell anode that separates energy storage from protective film formation.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
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Cowboys rookie defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was arrested and booked on a charge of reckless driving on Sunday night in Collin County, according to court records.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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At safety, Los Angeles Rams defensive back Kamren Curl feels like the right guy for the post job.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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