preemptive
Preemptive (adjective) means Done in advance to stop something bad from happening, or to gain an advantage before someone else can act. Example: “The company launched a preemptive strike against its rival's new product with an early price cut.”
How to use preemptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing first, before a problem or threat has a chance to develop.
Word forms
more preemptive comparative, most preemptive superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company launched a _____ strike against its rival's new product with an early price cut.
Etymology
From preempt plus the adjective-forming suffix -ive.
Antonyms
Rhymes for preemptive
See all rhymes for preemptive →Frequently asked questions
What does “preemptive” mean?
The word “preemptive” means done in advance to stop something bad from happening, or to gain an advantage before someone else can act. In plain terms, acting first, before a problem or threat has a chance to develop.
How do you pronounce “preemptive”?
“Preemptive” is pronounced pree-EHMP-tihv (/pɹiːˈɛmp.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “preemptive” in a sentence?
Here is “preemptive” used in a sentence: “The company launched a preemptive strike against its rival's new product with an early price cut.”
What is the opposite of “preemptive”?
The opposite of “preemptive” — its antonyms — is postemptive.
What part of speech is “preemptive”?
“Preemptive” is an adjective.