Meaning & use
preemptive
Done in advance to prevent an anticipated action, especially an attack, from happening.
See it in a sentence
The government launched a preemptive strike before the enemy could mobilize its forces.
She took a preemptive step and backed up her files before the software update.
A note on using this word
Preemptive is most often paired with 'strike,' 'measure,' or 'action,' and implies acting first based on a perceived threat.
Words with a similar meaning
preventiveanticipatory
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
reactiveretaliatory
Make it your own
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