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

As a climber first and foremost, though, that is reductive of his generational talent on a bicycle. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

None of it feels reductive or simplistic; much of it conveys serious joy and tactile discovery. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

Second, adhering to the statistical concept of the bell curve distribution is a reductive form of evaluation. —Dr. Lisa Toppin, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Defensive transfers must click for Chris Ash At the most reductive level, Notre Dame will replace Xavier Watts, Howard Cross and Jordan Clark with Jalen Stroman, Jared Dawson and Devonta Smith. —Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 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