preemptive Meaning & Definition
What Does Preemptive Mean?
As an adjective, preemptive means of or relating to preemption. It can also mean having power to preempt.
Preemptive: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /prē-ˈem(p)-tiv/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | preventive and preventative |
| Comparative / superlative | more preemptive, most preemptive |
| Adverb | preemptively |
| First known use | 1855 |
Preemptive Definition (Adjective)
- of or relating to preemption
- having power to preempt
- higher than necessary and intended to shut out bids by the opponents
- giving a stockholder first option to purchase new stock in an amount proportionate to the stockholder's existing holdings
- marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself
a preemptive attack
Synonyms of Preemptive
Preemptive synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Preemptive
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Preemptive in a Sentence
a preemptive attack on the enemy
a preemptive attack
Word Forms & Grammar
pre·emp·tive·ly adverb
preemptive
preemptively
preemptive (comparative more preemptive, superlative most preemptive)
Words That Rhyme With Preemptive
Origin of Preemptive
From preempt + -ive.
First Known Use
1855
Preemptive Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of preemptive is /prē-ˈem(p)-tiv/, spoken in 3 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (em(p)).
Quick Answers About Preemptive
What part of speech is preemptive?
Preemptive is an adjective.
What is another word for preemptive?
Words with a similar meaning to preemptive include preventive and preventative. See the full list of preemptive synonyms and antonyms.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of preemptive?
The comparative form is more preemptive and the superlative form is most preemptive.