preemptive
adjective
pre·emp·tive
prē-ˈem(p)-tiv 
1
a
: of or relating to preemption
b
: having power to preempt
2
of a bid in bridge
: higher than necessary and intended to shut out bids by the opponents
3
: giving a stockholder first option to purchase new stock in an amount proportionate to his existing holdings
4
: marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself
a preemptive attack
preemptively
adverb
Examples of preemptive in a Sentence
The country took preemptive action against the perceived enemy.
a preemptive attack by the army
Recent Examples on the Web
Biden considering preemptive pardons for Trump targets Biden is considering offering pardons for unspecified crimes to protect people Trump has threatened to investigate.
—
Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
Employees faced with a PIP often find themselves at a critical career crossroads, with many opting to begin job hunting as a preemptive measure.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The White House has not commented on these potential preemptive pardons.
—Emma Withrow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
Trump ups calls for Jan. 6 committee prosecutions amid Biden’s preemptive pardon rumors
The report comes as Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office and has upped the rhetoric about investigating and prosecuting those involved on the former Jan. 6 committee.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preemptive 
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Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
Employees faced with a PIP often find themselves at a critical career crossroads, with many opting to begin job hunting as a preemptive measure.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The White House has not commented on these potential preemptive pardons.
—Emma Withrow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
Trump ups calls for Jan. 6 committee prosecutions amid Biden’s preemptive pardon rumors
The report comes as Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office and has upped the rhetoric about investigating and prosecuting those involved on the former Jan. 6 committee.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preemptive
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Cite this Entry
“Preemptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preemptive. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
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preemptive
adjective
pre·emp·tive
prē-ˈemp-tiv
: of or relating to preemption
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