PROTECTIVE Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

protective

adjective

as in defensive

intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression the cat drew back its ears and sank into a protective posture as the dog approached it

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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 protective The gases released during this process can create a protective boundary near the shield. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 But the Chicago Sky is taking its protective measures a step further — by enlisting help from national security experts. — Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 Von Furstenburg took her sun-protective measures to the next level by adding a face mask. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 The company did not provide protective equipment or a mask to reduce airborne risks, the complaint alleged. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Brittany Cartwright has been given a protective order against Jax Taylor amid their ongoing divorce. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 But globs of liquid mercury worked just fine to show the melting shards coming together, even though its toxicity meant the special effects crew had to wear protective gear over the two-day shoot. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 They’re born before antibodies – protective proteins that recognize incoming germs – can be transferred from mother to baby during the later stages of pregnancy. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that could scratch the surface and compromise the protective coating over time. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective

defensive

Adjective

Every draft pick was kept for the sixth consecutive season, and the defensive line depth that has been the talk of camp was shown by keeping 11 linemen and only four linebackers.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Guerrero remains an excellent defensive first baseman, but his offensive production has left Toronto searching for answers from one of its most important players.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of defensive

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protections

protective

protector

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“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of protective

adjective

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