- protective - 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"
Antonyms: unprotective, neglectful, neglectful of
- caring, protective - showing a care; "a caring mother"
Antonym: tough (indirect, via tender)
- protective - (usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful; "protective of his reputation"
Antonym: careless (indirect, via careful)