pre·ven·ta·tive
pri-ˈven-tə-tiv 
: devoted to or concerned with preventing something from happening : preventive entry 1
The best preventative medicine that you can give to your plants is to mulch them.—
Ann Whynman
Ann WhynmanLos Angeles County promised to revamp its system, gradually reducing the use of expensive inpatient hospitals through more preventative care at outpatient clinics.—Jonathan Cohn
Jonathan Cohn
plural preventatives
: something that serves to prevent something from occurring : preventive entry 2
We've got the live vaccinia virus vaccine as a preventative for smallpox …—D. A. Henderson et al.
D. A. Henderson et al.Green onions are a mosquito preventative.—Garrison Keillor
Garrison KeillorSynonyms
Examples of preventative in a Sentence
Adjective
the department in charge of taking preventative measures against international terrorism
Recent Examples on the WebChristian Arana, The Mercury News, 1 June 2024
How to Keep Yourself Safe Since human cases of bird flu are rare, the general population primarily needs to stay informed and up-to-date about any developments, including transmission patterns and preventative measures, Ostrosky said.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 3 May 2024
Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 25 May 2024
It’s also used on building site soil as a preventative before construction.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for preventative 
Adjective
In our health system, internet service has become the key in scheduling appointments, refilling prescriptions and seeking preventative care.
—Christian Arana, The Mercury News, 1 June 2024
How to Keep Yourself Safe Since human cases of bird flu are rare, the general population primarily needs to stay informed and up-to-date about any developments, including transmission patterns and preventative measures, Ostrosky said.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 3 May 2024
Noun
Michelle Oakley, star of Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet Watch for ticks
Prioritize tick preventatives before hitting the trails or camping with your pet.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 25 May 2024
It’s also used on building site soil as a preventative before construction.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for preventative
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preventative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near preventative
Cite this Entry
“Preventative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preventative. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preventative
adjective or noun
pre·ven·ta·tive
pri-ˈvent-ət-iv
Medical Definition
preventative
adjective or noun
pre·ven·ta·tive
pri-ˈvent-ət-iv
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