preventative 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈven-tə-tiv How to pronounce preventative (audio)
Definition of preventativenext
as in preventive
concerned with or serving to keep something from happening the department in charge of taking preventative measures against international terrorism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

preventative

2 of 2

noun

as in insurance

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preventative
Adjective
Thousands of military and Red Cross personnel have been deployed to the region as a preventative measure. — Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Sep. 2026 Doherty was public about her cancer diagnosis, and partnered with organizations including Stand Up to Cancer to spread awareness for preventative care. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
Fuel injector cleaners are an efficient, low-cost preventative. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2026 Vaccinations and other preventatives against ever-evolving germs do not on their own guarantee personal safety—only eradication can do that. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preventative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventative
  1. preventive
  2. insurance
  3. precaution
Adjective
  • In addition to vaccination, Public Health recommended that residents take preventive measures such as washing their hands frequently, staying home when sick and wearing masks when experiencing symptoms.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, measles was invisible to most Americans, and the MMR vaccine, like many preventive tools, became a victim of its own success.
    — Raj Panjabi, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Over the past two months, amid efforts to find what could be more than $20 billion to recapitalize insurance funds, Walter has sold his controlling interest in the Lakers and a minority share of Chelsea, the English Premier League club.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Hiring help without rethinking workers’ compensation The first employee can change your insurance picture significantly.
    — Matthew Kayser, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of insurance
Noun
  • As an additional precaution, Water District 29 will temporarily shut off water service, affecting the Sunset Restaurant.
    — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Although safety precautions for drivers have vastly improved since the heyday of Lorenzen and Waltrip, concussions and the prospect of CTE remain a constant fear within the sport.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of precaution

Browse Nearby Words

preventable
preventative
prevented
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Cite this Entry

“Preventative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventative. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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