receptive

adjective

re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce receptive (audio)
1
: able or inclined to receive
especially : open and responsive to ideas, impressions, or suggestions
2
a
of a sensory end organ : fit to receive and transmit stimuli
b
3
of a female animal : willing to copulate with a male
a receptive mare
receptively adverb
receptiveness noun
receptivity noun

Examples of receptive in a Sentence

I was happy to be speaking before such a receptive audience. needed a partner who was receptive to new ways of managing the business
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of Impossible’s strategies going forward will be to focus more on the UK and European markets, which are more receptive to alternative meats than the US. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025 In the eyes of Courtney LaPlante, lead singer of the popular progressive metal band Spiritbox, this revitalization is based around how receptive young people have become to fantastical content in general. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025 The program launched last month and the community has been receptive, Suhren and McGowan agreed. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025 In some ways, Smith had a blank canvas, able to implement a culture, with Charlotte’s executives receptive to his ideas. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for receptive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of receptive was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Receptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

receptive

adjective
re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce receptive (audio)
1
: able or willing to receive especially ideas
2
: able to receive and pass on stimuli
the receptive part of the retina
receptively adverb
receptiveness noun
receptivity noun

Medical Definition

receptive

adjective
re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce receptive (audio)
1
: open and responsive to ideas, impressions, or suggestions
2
a
of a sensory end organ : fit to receive and transmit stimuli
receptiveness noun
receptivity noun
plural receptivities

More from Merriam-Webster on receptive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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