PROPHYLACTIC Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

prophylactic

adjective

ˌprō-fə-ˈlak-tik

Definition of prophylactic

as in preventive

concerned with or serving to keep something from happening the many prophylactic measures that city officials could have taken to reduce the scope of the disaster

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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 prophylactic There are no approved therapeutics or preventive prophylactic measures for the Bundibugyo virus. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 18 May 2026 Seers followed diagnosis with a prophylactic treatment, analogous to when tech companies prescribe more tech to deal with the problems that arise from tech. — Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026 The plan may be flawed, but making one is a kind of prophylactic. — Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 Jonathan Gholston of Jacksonville pleaded guilty March 2 to conspiring to collect kickbacks by referring Medicare and Medicaid recipients to receive prophylactic medicines that prevent infection with the virus that causes AIDS. — Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prophylactic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prophylactic

Adjective

Education about the risks and preventive measures like masking would help, too.

— Justin Worland, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of preventive

Adjective

At Tuesday’s meeting, 11 people voiced their distaste for data centers and fought for a preventative measure against them.

— Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2026
Taking a few preventative measures during heat waves can help dahlias stay hydrated and upright.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of preventative

Browse Nearby Words

prophets

prophylactic

propine

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“Prophylactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prophylactic. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prophylactic

adjective

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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