SELF-PROTECTIVE Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

self-protective

adjective

ˌself-prə-ˈtek-tiv

Definition of self-protective

as in protective

intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression a self-protective gesture to ward off the blow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 self-protective Legislators need to realize that big tech is self-protective and eschews state boundaries in multifarious ways. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 But Wood had also charged Whitehead with avoiding introspection, echoing an assessment that the novelist—who’d developed a self-protective reserve in childhood—was also beginning to reach. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 For most people, the inner programming is significantly outdated and rooted in deeply self-protective programming that prevents them from embracing the discomfort that comes with navigating complex changes and disruption. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 On a far too frequent basis, Americans have listened to the erratic falsehoods of a pathologically narcissistic president while our Republican leaders in Congress cower in the corners of their offices in a state of self-protective paralysis. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-protective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-protective

Adjective

For all its functional details, like the four protective feet at the base, a spacious interior, and multifunctional pockets, there are fun ones to match.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 July 2026
First, the family in the West African nation of Guinea turned to a traditional healer who suggested protective amulets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Definition of protective

Adjective

Instead of scoring points, Richard was more focused on making the right defensive rotation, making passes and boxing out.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
The game offers significantly deeper defensive play with smarter zone coverage and 31 playbooks, alongside a new fatigue system.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of defensive

Browse Nearby Words

self-promoting

self-protective

self-questioning

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of self-protective

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes