preventive
adjective
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Definition of preventive
(Entry 1 of 2)
preventive
nounDefinition of preventive (Entry 2 of 2)
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Synonyms for preventive
Synonyms: Adjective
precautionary, preventative, prophylactic
Synonyms: Noun
caution, fail-safe, palladium, precaution, safeguard
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Examples of preventive in a Sentence
Adjective
Farmers are covering their crops as a preventive measure against frost. We'll take whatever preventive action is necessary.Noun
if people took the simple preventive of frequently washing their hands, the spread of germs could be greatly reduced
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
If a preventive stimulus turned out to be premature, the worst that could happen is slightly higher inflation than today’s 1.1%—which would in any case help the ECB hit its inflation target of close to 2%. — The Economist, "Germany needs fiscal stimulus. Here’s how to do it," 24 Aug. 2019 The program offers preventive, diagnostic and restorative services. — Juliana Kim, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland’s new dental insurance program for low-income residents pays to remove teeth — but not replace them," 22 Aug. 2019 After infected trees are removed, nearby palms need preventive antibiotic injections to halt the spread. — Washington Post, "Florida’s iconic palm trees threatened by invasive disease," 19 Aug. 2019 After infected trees are removed, nearby palms need preventive antibiotic injections to halt the spread. — Terry Spencer, orlandosentinel.com, "Florida’s iconic palm trees threatened by invasive disease," 19 Aug. 2019 After infected trees are removed, nearby palms need preventive antibiotic injections to halt the spread. — Terry Spencer, sun-sentinel.com, "Florida’s iconic palms threatened by invasive disease," 19 Aug. 2019 Lilly has stopped testing the drug for actual dementia, and is now testing it as a preventive. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "USC and UC San Diego try to move on after painful fight over Alzheimer’s institute," 18 Aug. 2019 Extend the roles of paramedics and emergency medical technicians to help with preventive and primary care. — Chris Sikich, Indianapolis Star, "Here's how Pete Buttigieg would improve rural health care," 9 Aug. 2019 Supervise within an arm's reach Adequate supervision is an essential preventive strategy, says the AAP. — Amy Haneline, USA TODAY, "Drowning tragedies can happen to anyone. Here's what parents need to know," 2 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preventive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for preventive
preventive
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of preventive
preventive
adjective
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Kids Definition of preventive
preventive
noun
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Medical Definition of preventive
(Entry 1 of 2)
preventive
adjectiveMedical Definition of preventive (Entry 2 of 2)
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