reactive
adjective
re·ac·tive
rē-ˈak-tiv 
2
a
: readily responsive to a stimulus
b
: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset
reactive depression
reactively
adverb
reactiveness
noun
Examples of reactive in a Sentence
The government's response to the problem was reactive rather than proactive.
Recent Examples on the Web
Upstaging is always a danger in any story in which the main character is a reactive chameleon.
—
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
In the face of modern developments and repercussions associated with data breaches, far too many organizations still take the reactive rather than proactive approach.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024
That’s because Holly Robinson Peete always planned to be proactive, not reactive, in her relationship with sportsman Rodney.
—Taiia Smart Young, Essence, 14 Feb. 2024
Unfortunately, this was a slow and very reactive method to a major problem, especially in a world where electricity for devices has become a paramount concern.
—Neil Sahota, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Additionally, a few people, like Snyder and Haass, make plain what people can and should do to defend against bad leaders, to be not just reactive but proactive.
—Barbara Kellerman, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024
One of the biggest challenges impeding progress is the fact that laws, by and large, are reactive instead of preventative regulation.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024
Understandably, the queen assumes the decision is Wilhelm’s reactive –– and fleeting –– ploy to reunite with Simon (Omar Rudberg), who ended their relationship in the penultimate episode after expressing his fears that the pressures of the crown were changing Wilhelm and himself.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024
Those of us with historically reactive skin experienced no irritation with this one.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024
Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
In the face of modern developments and repercussions associated with data breaches, far too many organizations still take the reactive rather than proactive approach.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024
That’s because Holly Robinson Peete always planned to be proactive, not reactive, in her relationship with sportsman Rodney.
—Taiia Smart Young, Essence, 14 Feb. 2024
Unfortunately, this was a slow and very reactive method to a major problem, especially in a world where electricity for devices has become a paramount concern.
—Neil Sahota, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Additionally, a few people, like Snyder and Haass, make plain what people can and should do to defend against bad leaders, to be not just reactive but proactive.
—Barbara Kellerman, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024
One of the biggest challenges impeding progress is the fact that laws, by and large, are reactive instead of preventative regulation.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024
Understandably, the queen assumes the decision is Wilhelm’s reactive –– and fleeting –– ploy to reunite with Simon (Omar Rudberg), who ended their relationship in the penultimate episode after expressing his fears that the pressures of the crown were changing Wilhelm and himself.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024
Those of us with historically reactive skin experienced no irritation with this one.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1717, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing reactive
Dictionary Entries Near reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
reactive
adjective
re·ac·tive
rē-ˈak-tiv
1
: of or relating to reaction
2
: reacting or tending to react
Medical Definition
reactive
adjective
re·ac·tive
rē-ˈak-tiv
1
2
a
: readily responsive to a stimulus
the skin of the geriatric is less reactive than that of younger persons—Louis Tuft
Louis Tuft
b
: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset especially from factors outside the organism
reactive depression
More from Merriam-Webster on reactive
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reactive
Britannica English: Translation of reactive for Arabic Speakers
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