receptive

adjective

re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv 

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

: sensory

3

of a female animal : willing to copulate with a male

a receptive mare

receptively adverb

receptiveness noun

receptivity

ˌrē-ˌsep-ˈti-və-tē 

ri-

noun

Synonyms of receptive

• open

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

Councilmembers were receptive, including Tarus Mack, who has voiced some of the harshest criticism of the property’s sale. —Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026

The Marcharts brought the idea of a more EV-friendly caravan to Dethleffs, undoubtedly one of the more receptive longtime caravan builders thanks to the keen eco focus of its aforementioned Destination Future program. —New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026

At the same time, the town has been widely praised by state leaders for being receptive to affordable housing. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2026

International reaction to Trump’s moves has been far less receptive. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for receptive

• deceptive
• perceptive
• contraceptive
• nociceptive
• proprioceptive

Kids Definition

receptive

adjective

re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv 

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

ˌrē-ˌsep-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

ri-

noun

Medical Definition

receptive

adjective

re·​cep·​tive ri-ˈsep-tiv 

1

: open and responsive to ideas, impressions, or suggestions

2

a

of a sensory end organ : fit to receive and transmit stimuli

b

: sensory sense 1

receptiveness noun

receptivity

ˌrē-ˌsep-ˈtiv-ət-ē, ri- 

noun

plural receptivities