preemptive
adjective
pre·emp·tive
prē-ˈem(p)-tiv 
1
a
: of or relating to preemption
b
: having power to preempt
2
of a bid in bridge
: higher than necessary and intended to shut out bids by the opponents
3
: giving a stockholder first option to purchase new stock in an amount proportionate to his existing holdings
4
: marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself
a preemptive attack
preemptively
adverb
Examples of preemptive in a Sentence
The country took preemptive action against the perceived enemy.
a preemptive attack by the army
Recent Examples on the Web
Biden exited the White House using a series of preemptive pardons, citing unspecified crimes due to fear of reprisals by the incoming Trump administration.
—
Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Contrast that with Trump's clemency, which did not directly benefit him or his family, and covered defendants who were actually convicted or charged, unlike Biden's preemptive pardons that covered up to 10 years' worth of potential and actual criminal activity for his family and allies.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
However, former President Biden’s blanket preemptive pardons for his family members — including his brother Jim Biden, who had attracted the scrutiny of Biden’s own Justice Department — has Republicans turning the mirror back on Democrats.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
In his final hours as president, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, lawmakers and staffers who served on the House January 6 select committee, as well as five of his immediate family members.
—Chris Dobstaff, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
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Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Contrast that with Trump's clemency, which did not directly benefit him or his family, and covered defendants who were actually convicted or charged, unlike Biden's preemptive pardons that covered up to 10 years' worth of potential and actual criminal activity for his family and allies.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
However, former President Biden’s blanket preemptive pardons for his family members — including his brother Jim Biden, who had attracted the scrutiny of Biden’s own Justice Department — has Republicans turning the mirror back on Democrats.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
In his final hours as president, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, lawmakers and staffers who served on the House January 6 select committee, as well as five of his immediate family members.
—Chris Dobstaff, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for preemptive
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Cite this Entry
“Preemptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preemptive. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
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preemptive
adjective
pre·emp·tive
prē-ˈemp-tiv
: of or relating to preemption
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