as in spontaneous
done in immediate response to something especially without thinking or planning
He realized his aggressive response to their criticisms had been reactive. The board stressed the need for a less reactive and more proactive approach to problem-solving.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of reactive
Public debate is often fragmented and reactive.
—
Julie Finch, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
As skin gets thinner, drier, and more reactive over time, a gentler approach becomes less of a preference and more of a necessity.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
The industry is largely reactive rather than proactive.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
For decades, wildfires were considered a reactive emergency, but more disaster experts are looking for ways to apply proactive messaging, deployment and warning systems to fires — systems more akin to hurricane preparedness.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Julie Finch, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
As skin gets thinner, drier, and more reactive over time, a gentler approach becomes less of a preference and more of a necessity.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
The industry is largely reactive rather than proactive.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
For decades, wildfires were considered a reactive emergency, but more disaster experts are looking for ways to apply proactive messaging, deployment and warning systems to fires — systems more akin to hurricane preparedness.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Placental insufficiency, in which the organ fails to develop or function properly, is a leading cause of spontaneous preterm birth, experts say.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
-
That kind of flexibility leads to spontaneous nights where what started off as an intimate hang expands into an all-out party.—
Sammy Loren,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Form Insoles combine mechanical arch support with a neuro-stimulating texture, which is proven to reduce foot fatigue and arch pain by increasing overall foot awareness and foot posture.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Until the economies of scale kicked in that would shove mechanical movements into near oblivion within a decade, quartz watches were priced well at the luxury end of the market.—
David Szondy
March 28,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
With automatic runner Bo Bichette also aboard at second, Robert reached down and drove a 1-0 slider over the left-center fence for his first homer with the Mets.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
For many years now, that increase has been automatic based on growth in the national average wage index.—
Tom Margenau,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In the behind-the-scenes footage, Sinise is seen angling himself under the hood of the car from the music video as Wilson gives cues about the natural placement of a mechanic working.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The scheme, which uses single-button presses to deploy impressive moves, appears easy to learn on the surface, but Quarter Up layered complexity through the tag mechanic and defensive options to create depth.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As the protagonist Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1968), Duane Jones unveiled a distinct facet of pre-conditioned Black martyrdom.—
Malik Peay,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2023
-
The new formula is infused with a luscious blend of flower oils so that lashes feel conditioned and supple to the touch.—
Daisy Maldonado,
SELF,
13 Sep. 2022
Adjective
-
Build buffer time, trim one commitment, then return to the itinerary with even gentler expectations and a simpler packing list.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Parents, guardians, aunts and uncles don't have time to read every book on the shelf while trying to pick something for the young reader in their life, so here are some simple ways to determine if a book is suitable for that child.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
