preventive 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈven-tiv How to pronounce preventive (audio)
Definition of preventivenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

preventive

2 of 2

noun

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

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 preventive
Adjective
In a commentary published with the study, Yuan Lu of Yale University saw the converging risk factor levels as a win for preventive cardiology. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 1 July 2026 Specifically, policymakers cite the importance of more preventive care in addition to lifestyle modifications such as a better diet and more exercise that improve health independent of healthcare provision. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
When given as a preventive, it is meant as a two-dose vaccine given four weeks apart, which research suggests can reduce the risk of infection by about 85%. — Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 14 July 2022 In addition to making anti-vaccine comments, Kennedy also downplayed pediatric deaths related to measles and touted false cures and preventives, such as the use of vitamin A. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventive
  1. preventative
  2. precaution
Adjective
  • Increasingly, however, many are embracing a different definition—one that includes rest, healing, preventative care, joy, and self-investment.
    — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • High-quality swim lessons can be a vital preventative measure to combat this issue.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 2026
Definition of preventative
Noun
  • As a further precaution, consider adding background noise, like the TV or a white noise machine, to help muffle the sounds.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Definition of precaution

Browse Nearby Words

prevention
preventive
preventives
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Cite this Entry

“Preventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preventive

Nglish: Translation of preventive for Spanish Speakers

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