reductive

adjective

re·​duc·​tive ri-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce reductive (audio)
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
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.
But the accomplishments of Bunny Yeager – the Miami Beach artist, model, feminist pioneer and icon – can’t be summed up with one simple, reductive label. Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025 Athletes are often defined by their times, medals, and records, but stripping back their impact to numbers can be reductive, particularly in Fraser-Pryce’s case. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 Although reductive, the Breakfast review has been framed as a battle between Frediani and Munchetty, with insiders increasingly of the view that only one will survive. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025 But relatability can also be a reductive, even belittling lens through which to view any artist’s work. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reductive

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reductive was in 1633

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Cite this Entry

“Reductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reductive. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

reductive

adjective
re·​duc·​tive ri-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce reductive (audio)
: of, relating to, causing, or involving reduction
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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