PROPHYLACTIC Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

prophylactic

adjective

ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik

Definition of prophylactic

as in preventive

concerned with or serving to keep something from happening the many prophylactic measures that city officials could have taken to reduce the scope of the disaster

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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 prophylactic Some courts have also begun implementing prophylactic measures. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 11 June 2026 Other risks include asymmetry, under- and over-correction, infections (very rare), and viral reactivation in those prone to herpes (a prophylactic dose of Valtrex can help prevent it). — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026 Issues such as autosomal dominance, acceptable prophylactic treatment, and penetrance are all considerations, including whether the disease is adult-onset in pediatric contexts. — M. Sara Rosenthal, STAT, 25 June 2026 Jonathan Gholston of Jacksonville pleaded guilty March 2 to conspiring to collect kickbacks by referring Medicare and Medicaid recipients to receive prophylactic medicines that prevent infection with the virus that causes AIDS. — Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prophylactic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophylactic

Adjective

Wisconsin girl began rabies treatment after bat bite The report comes as public health officials continue to warn about rabies risks following a recent case in Wisconsin, where a 6-year-old girl received preventive treatment after a bat bite.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 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

Definition of preventive

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

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prophets

prophylactic

propine

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

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Synonyms of prophylactic

adjective

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