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.
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Recent Examples of reactive
Antioxidants counter highly reactive molecules in cells (called free radicals) that can promote inflammation.
—
Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026
The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.
—Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
But the tanks, which contain a highly reactive liquid chemical known as methyl methacrylate, or MMA, used to make materials such as plexiglass, are still at the facility.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The highly reactive halves can then react with other molecules to form new molecules at considerably lower temperatures than would have otherwise been required.
—Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026
The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.
—Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
But the tanks, which contain a highly reactive liquid chemical known as methyl methacrylate, or MMA, used to make materials such as plexiglass, are still at the facility.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The highly reactive halves can then react with other molecules to form new molecules at considerably lower temperatures than would have otherwise been required.
—Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Venus and Uranus’ harmonious connection encourages you to be spontaneous.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
Left unmanaged, coal waste routinely triggers water contamination, airborne dust pollution, and spontaneous fires.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
14 June 2026
-
Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the early stages of a relationship, self-expansion is largely automatic, as new partners are most inclined at this point to learn about each other’s unfamiliar interests, social circles, habits and ideas.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Under Texas election law, an automatic recount occurs only in the case of a tie; otherwise, a candidate must formally request one.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Their maternal grandfather was a race-car driver and mechanic, and their father was a photographer for Street Chopper Magazine.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
From a young Ron Howard as Andy’s son Opie to Jim Nabors as the well-meaning mechanic Gomer Pyle, the show launched careers and spinoffs, won awards, and carved out a permanent place in pop-culture history.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 June 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
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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
-
Armando Chavez, owner of local business NorCal Siders, was brought in for a simple roof patch-up but left with a big idea.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
The cause can be something as simple as a lack of water or more complex, like fungal wilt diseases, tomato wilt viruses, walnut toxicity, or boring insects.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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