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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Recent Examples of protective
With all that protective cushioning, the Active5K sneaker also provides an extra boost of height.
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Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
To blend both sides of her culture, the Black Panther actress opted for a blunt bob that uses one of the oldest protective styles in the book.
—Elise Tabin, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
Your protective instincts guide you to choose gentle language that names the truth, so others hear the request without feeling pushed.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2026
Every prior action taken by Kumar—transferring corrupt officials, coordinating protective measures, and guiding operations—had been aimed at gaining Choudhary’s trust and manipulating the sequence of events in his favor.
—Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 14 Jan. 2026
Being stuck in a state of fight-or-flight increases protective muscle tension, altering movement mechanics, limiting mobility, and increasing the likelihood of compensations that can lead to pain or injury.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
Out of possession, the pair provide a vital protective barrier in front of the back three, as shown below by a map of their defensive interventions.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
California has a responsibility to use all available tools to protect residents and set an example for other states by enacting protective legislation.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Instead, victim specialists often work as connectors, helping survivors access tribal resources, protective orders, transportation, and emergency support while cases move through court systems that vary widely in capacity.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protective
defensive
Adjective
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Cowboys rookie defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was arrested and booked on a charge of reckless driving on Sunday night in Collin County, according to court records.—
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At safety, Los Angeles Rams defensive back Kamren Curl feels like the right guy for the post job.—
Cite this Entry
“Protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protective. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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