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

Dissimilar Words

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
The city does not have a preventative maintenance or evaluation program for the stormwater system. — Nathan Pilling july 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026 According to Reuters, a Romanian court recently lifted all preventative judicial control measures against the Tates while authorities conduct further investigations into their charges. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 July 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
  • In the past year, the guards performed 300 water rescues and 65,000 preventive actions, such as blowing a whistle or stopping unsafe play, said Alexandra Bagwell, the city’s chief of Ocean Rescue, which serves as the event’s host.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Maintaining healthy eating habits (60%), taking supplements or vitamins (58%), and keeping up with preventive screenings and check-ups (52%) also ranked highly.
    — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of preventive
Noun
  • Sporadic attacks risk largely blocking the waterway In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has shown that even sporadic attacks on ships can be enough to effectively close a critical waterway by driving up risks and insurance premiums.
    — Fatma Khaled, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Georgia homeowners are continuing to feel it in their wallets as insurance costs climb, driven by stronger storms and higher rebuilding costs.
    — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of insurance
Noun
  • Now a 6-year-old girl and a grandmother are both being treated for rabies as a precaution.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The children, who police believe are Moore’s, were taken to a children’s hospital as a precaution and will undergo forensic interviews as the investigation continues.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of preventative for Spanish Speakers

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