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
  • However, until more of that work is completed, preventive shutoffs remain part of the utility's wildfire safety strategy.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities also took preventive measures in the port city of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, ahead of the storm, national Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velázquez said Monday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Sullivan denied that the law would cut Medicaid for Alaskans, saying the Affordable Care Act had a greater impact and raised insurance premiums in the state drastically.
    — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the spread on its five-year credit default swaps, which are insurance against default, at one point soared above 1,140 basis points.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of insurance
Noun
  • Following the incident, Six Flags temporarily closed similar attractions at other parks as a precaution, the company confirmed to local outlet WSB-TV.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • An airport spokesperson said six flights were delayed and two inbound flights were diverted to other airports as a precaution.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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