reductive

adjective

re·​duc·​tive ri-ˈdək-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, causing, or involving reduction

2

: of or relating to reductionism : reductionistic

reductively adverb

reductiveness noun

Examples of reductive in a Sentence

a reductive interpretation of the theory

Recent Examples on the Web

Actress Isabella Rossellini reflects on the film’s disturbing material and autobiographical elements while resisting reductive interpretations. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025

But to say that there is one, particular way of eating endemic to the Mediterranean is reductive. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025

Refusing to conform to reductive expectations, Nkanga turned instead to histories and aesthetics that reflected the full spectrum of life and legacy. —Okla Jones, Essence, 3 May 2025

Her empathetic work challenges reductive narratives in mainstream media, aiming to restore humanity and individuality to those too often dehumanized. —Photovogue, Vogue, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reductive

• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

Medical Definition

reductive

adjective

re·​duc·​tive ri-ˈdək-tiv 

: of, relating to, causing, or involving reduction