Synonyms of preventive

preventive 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈven-tiv 

as in preventative

concerned with or serving to keep something from happening

if you start taking this preventive medicine now, you may not get sick after all

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preventative
• prophylactic
• precautionary
• deterring
• blocking
• deterrent
• neutralizing
• frustrating
• nullifying
• negating
• baffling
• retardant
• hampering
• thwarting
• hindering
• impeding
• foiling
• balking
• stalling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assisting
• aiding
• facilitating
• smoothing
• promoting
• nurturing
• encouraging
• abetting
• fostering
• forwarding
• easing
• furthering

preventive

2 of 2

noun

as in precaution

a measure taken to preclude loss or injury

if people took the simple preventive of frequently washing their hands, the spread of germs could be greatly reduced

Synonyms & Similar Words

• precaution
• safeguard
• protection
• palladium
• fail-safe
• caution
• shield
• wall
• screen
• armor
• ward
• cover
• guard

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preventive

Adjective

The gaming community awaits Sony's explanation for the outage cause and potential preventive measures, particularly given recent service disruptions. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025

The cancer was discovered after Sykes underwent breast reduction surgery, and the comedian opted for a double mastectomy as a preventive measure. —Eileen Finan, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Noun

In the end, however, experts say there is only one true preventive — or cure — for a hangover: Don’t drink. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 30 Dec. 2022

Once experts predict a potential outbreak, who funds the necessary preventive and containment measures? —Mallory Locklear, Discover Magazine, 20 Aug. 2018