as in protective
intended to resist or prevent attack or aggression
a self-protective gesture to ward off the blow
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Recent Examples of self-protective
On a far too frequent basis, Americans have listened to the erratic falsehoods of a pathologically narcissistic president while our Republican leaders in Congress cower in the corners of their offices in a state of self-protective paralysis.
—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
But anyone who has nurtured a daydream, or told a self-protective lie, can empathize with her, and learn something true about themselves.
—Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026
In both films, Dern combines big-hearted openness with something more self-protective and disillusioned; there may be no actress better at conveying a woman’s yearning for freedom despite the maddening obstacles the world throws in her path.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 9 Nov. 2025
This self-protective habit can leave you struggling and the relationship seeming unbalanced and isolating for both partners.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
He’s worked hard to make his way in this world, and part of his cocksure attitude is self-protective.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
For some people, that discomfort is enough to trigger a self-protective instinct to deflect, blame, or jump to rationalizations, Dr. Kelley explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 May 2025
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
But anyone who has nurtured a daydream, or told a self-protective lie, can empathize with her, and learn something true about themselves.
—Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026
In both films, Dern combines big-hearted openness with something more self-protective and disillusioned; there may be no actress better at conveying a woman’s yearning for freedom despite the maddening obstacles the world throws in her path.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 9 Nov. 2025
This self-protective habit can leave you struggling and the relationship seeming unbalanced and isolating for both partners.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
He’s worked hard to make his way in this world, and part of his cocksure attitude is self-protective.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025
For some people, that discomfort is enough to trigger a self-protective instinct to deflect, blame, or jump to rationalizations, Dr. Kelley explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-protective
Adjective
-
Using advanced sensors and robotic manipulation, these nuclear nomads can perform inspections and repairs that previously required massive protective gear and strict time limits.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The supplement has been touted for its protective benefits, derived from its key component, omega-3 fatty acids.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, considered the best run-stopper, was available when the Bills took Palmer.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Reese and Bailey can each stake a claim toward being the draft's top defensive talent.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-protective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-protective. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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