preservative

1 of 2

adjective

pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-və-tiv How to pronounce preservative (audio)
Synonyms of preservativenext
: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2

noun

: something that preserves or has the power of preserving
specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage

Examples of preservative in a Sentence

Noun This food does not contain any artificial preservatives. The wood was treated with preservative.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Rinsing helps strip away the alkaline preservative film that often coats synthetic braiding hair. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 Earlier researchers suggested that the lack of sugar and the presence of additives (such as the sweetener aspartame and the preservative potassium benzoate) reduced surface tension in Diet Coke, launching the liquid farther. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
According to Roberts, sodium can enter our diet through ingredients that may not taste particularly salty, including baking soda, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium citrate (an emulsifier), and certain preservatives. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026 Ultraprocessed foods are made using industrial processing and additives, colors, preservatives or other ingredients not found in home kitchens. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preservative

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preservative was in the 14th century

Rhymes for preservative

See All Rhymes for preservative

Browse Nearby Words

preservation order
preservative
preservative medium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preservative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preservative. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preservative

1 of 2 adjective
pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv How to pronounce preservative (audio)
: having the power of preserving

preservative

2 of 2 noun
: something that preserves or has the power of preserving
especially : a substance added to food to prevent spoiling or discoloring

Medical Definition

preservative

noun
pre·​ser·​va·​tive pri-ˈzər-vət-iv How to pronounce preservative (audio)
: something that preserves or has the power of preserving
specifically : an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage
a food preservative

More from Merriam-Webster on preservative

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for preservative

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preservative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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