preventable

adjective

variants also preventible
Definition of preventablenext
as in avoidable

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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 preventable About half of dementia is preventable through lifestyle changes, Coresh said. — Lily Alvino, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026 There are others, however, who disagree – arguing that the harms caused by gun deaths, drug abuse and overdose, and the spread of preventable disease require regulation that constrains or prohibits completely people’s freedom to choose. — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 Officials have acknowledged that the vast majority of these traffic fatalities are preventable with changes to infrastructure and policy. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The good news is that most of these injuries follow a predictable pattern, which means most of them are preventable. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 For example, if clogged drain lines cause preventable damage or a system fails because filters haven't been changed regularly, insurers generally view those issues as homeowner responsibilities. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 July 2026 In the meantime, patients and providers must resort to substitute medicines, which can lead to adverse drug reactions, higher hospital costs, and preventable patient harm. — Paul Friedrichs, STAT, 30 July 2026 Expand utility moratoriums and subsidize cooling costs during heat emergencies to prevent preventable deaths tied to power loss or inability to afford AC. — Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 There’s a silver lining, though, which is that PPD is treatable and preventable. — Parents, 28 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preventable
  1. avoidable
  2. unclear
Adjective
  • Reducing cost-to-serve may require eliminating avoidable demand, redesigning customer journeys, automating decisions, consolidating platforms and changing workforce capacity.
    — Todd Bernson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And Bear 142 was fortunate that an entirely avoidable encounter did not end much worse.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of avoidable
Adjective
  • What that means for Trapilo’s possible return remains unclear.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Deputies said that there was no suspect information available and a motive was unclear as their investigation began.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of unclear

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preventability
preventable
preventative
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Cite this Entry

“Preventable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preventable. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preventable

Nglish: Translation of preventable for Spanish Speakers

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