Antonyms of adj protective

3 senses of protective

Sense 1
protective (vs. unprotective) -- (intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; "a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs")

unprotective (vs. protective) -- (not affording protection)

Sense 2
protective -- (showing care; "a protective mother")

INDIRECT (VIA tender) -> tough -- (not given to gentleness or sentimentality; "a tough character")

Sense 3
protective (predicate) -- ((usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful; "protective of his reputation")

INDIRECT (VIA careful) -> careless -- (marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful; "careless about her clothes"; "forgotten by some careless person"; "a careless housekeeper"; "careless proofreading"; "it was a careless mistake"; "hurt by a careless remark")

Similarity of adj protective

3 senses of protective

Sense 1
protective (vs. unprotective) -- (intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; "a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs")
       => cautionary, prophylactic -- (warding off; "the swastika...a very ancient prophylactic symbol occurring among all peoples"- Victor Schultze)
       => contraceptive, prophylactic, antifertility -- (capable of preventing conception or impregnation; "contraceptive devices and medications")
       => custodial, tutelary, tutelar -- (providing protective supervision; watching over or safeguarding; "daycare that is educational and not just custodial"; "a guardian angel"; "tutelary gods")
       => evasive -- (avoiding or escaping from difficulty or danger especially enemy fire; "pilots are taught to take evasive action")
       => overprotective -- (overly protective; "overprotective parents")
       => preservative -- (tending or having the power to preserve; "timbers should be treated with a preservative substance")
       => protecting (prenominal) -- (shielding (or designed to shield) against harm or discomfort; "the protecting blanket of snow"; "a protecting alibi")
       => restrictive -- ((of tariff) protective of national interests by restricting imports)
       => safety-related -- (providing or ensuring safety)
          Also See-> defensive#1; preventive#2, preventative#1

Sense 2
protective -- (showing care; "a protective mother")
       => tender (vs. tough) -- (given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality; "a tender heart"; "a tender smile"; "tender loving care"; "tender memories"; "a tender mother")

Sense 3
protective (predicate) -- ((usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful; "protective of his reputation")
       => careful (vs. careless) -- (exercising caution or showing care or attention; "they were careful when crossing the busy street"; "be careful to keep her shoes clean"; "did very careful research"; "careful art restorers"; "careful of the rights of others"; "careful about one's behavior")

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