con·tra·cep·tive
ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv 
plural contraceptives
: a device or preparation that is designed to prevent conception
especially
: a device or preparation (such as an IUD or birth control pill) that typically contains progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen and that prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, or thins the uterine lining in order to prevent conception
Hormonal contraceptives … sometimes cause midcycle bleeding or missed periods, while IUDs can lead to heavy monthly bleeding. —
Stacey Colino
Stacey Colino A progestin-based contraceptive composed of six matchstick-size capsules that are placed under the skin of a woman's arm for up to five years … —Ms. Magazine
see also oral contraceptive, long-acting reversible contraceptive compare contraception sense 2
Ms. Magazine
: of, relating to, or involving the prevention of conception or pregnancy
The … Right to Contraception Act passed the House on a vote of 228-195. Overall, eight Republicans supported the bill, which would codify the right to access contraceptive devices and ensure health care professionals could provide patients with contraceptive care.—Lawrence Andrea
Lawrence AndreaBreast-feeding should have a contraceptive effect, since it lowers prolactin levels in the blood.—Sue Rodwell Williams
Sue Rodwell WilliamsMoreover, there is also evidence that certain substances in neem seeds may have contraceptive value.—Boyce Rensberger
see also contraceptive implant, contraceptive pill, intrauterine contraceptive device
Boyce RensbergerExamples of contraceptive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
The proposal would extend coverage to over-the-counter products including emergency contraceptives.
—Afp, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024
Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
When use of a contraceptive app results in an unwanted pregnancy, don't blame the technology.
—Adrienne So, WIRED, 1 Sep. 2018
See all Example Sentences for contraceptive 
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Noun
That year, after the Supreme Court's conservative majority reversed Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested revisiting the precedent set by Griswold v. Connecticut, the 1965 case affirming couples' right to use contraceptives.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
The proposal would extend coverage to over-the-counter products including emergency contraceptives.
—Afp, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The company wanted to find an anti-estrogen to compete on the contraceptive market, and tamoxifen was not that.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
When use of a contraceptive app results in an unwanted pregnancy, don't blame the technology.
—Adrienne So, WIRED, 1 Sep. 2018
See all Example Sentences for contraceptive
Dictionary Entries Near contraceptive
Cite this Entry
“Contraceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraceptive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
contraceptive
1 of 2 noun
con·tra·cep·tive
ˌkän-trə-ˈsep-tiv
: a device or preparation (such as an IUD or birth control pill) that typically contains progestin either alone or in combination with estrogen and that prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, or thins the uterine lining in order to prevent conception
… contraceptives were classified as combination contraceptives if they included estrogen and progestin in each cycle … and as progestin-only contraceptives if they contained only progestin throughout the cycle.—Polly A. Marchbanks et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
Polly A. Marchbanks et al., The New England Journal of MedicineHormonal contraceptives … are frequently used by athletes to treat … MI [=menstrual irregularity], reduce menstrual symptoms (e.g., bloating, cramping), and reduce conditions secondary to excessive monthly blood loss, as well as for birth control.—Jennifer Cheng et al., American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitiation
see also long-acting reversible contraceptive, oral contraceptive compare contraception sense 2
Jennifer Cheng et al., American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitiationcontraceptive
2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or involving the prevention of conception or pregnancy
contraceptive devices
contraceptive efficacy
see also contraceptive implant, contraceptive pill, intrauterine contraceptive device, oral contraceptive pill
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