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

Related Words

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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
Many check in specifically for the property’s preventative medicine and longevity programs, spending their days rotating between diagnostics, consultations, and treatments while still enjoying the comforts of a grand European resort. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 Albert has since undergone another surgery to remove the recurrence and is expected to begin preventative radiation treatment in September. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
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 Clayful partners with schools to provide preventative, pre-clinical mental health coaching to students. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preventative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventative
  1. preventive
  2. insurance
  3. precaution
Adjective
  • The Elgin Township 708 Mental Health Board is providing $437,000 for a pilot program to provide preventive measures and early intervention care at five schools in School District U-46.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Use a mobile health unit, home-health infrastructure, telehealth, maternal-health specialists, and community partnerships to expand maternal preventive care and care coordination.
    — Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Costs for consumers in the Affordable Care Act marketplace have soared amid expiring ACA premium subsidies, and insurance affordability poses a political threat to Republicans during upcoming midterm elections.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Residents are asked to bring a photo ID, proof of address, insurance information, photos of damage, and bank account information for direct deposit (optional).
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of insurance
Noun
  • Preventing Naegleria fowleri cases Williams said people should focus on taking precautions when entering fresh water.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In accordance with town protocol, officials suspended swimming at South Beach for several hours as a precaution, allowing personnel to assess conditions before later lifting the water restrictions.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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