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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reactive
That’s a sign of reactive cookware, typically aluminum or low-grade stainless steel, interacting with the food.
—
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Evans called those measures reactive instead of preventative.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The event will feature live, reactive visuals throughout the evening and a DJ set by King Khary.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The convergence of an expanding threat surface and rapidly advancing attacker capabilities makes a reactive cybersecurity strategy untenable.
—Shane Buckley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Evans called those measures reactive instead of preventative.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The event will feature live, reactive visuals throughout the evening and a DJ set by King Khary.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The convergence of an expanding threat surface and rapidly advancing attacker capabilities makes a reactive cybersecurity strategy untenable.
—Shane Buckley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
10 July 2025
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This exhilarating transit could spark a need for spontaneous self-expression and creative freedom.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
-
Things like robot bartenders, a remarkable sightseeing capsule that rises on a 300-foot-long mechanical arm, and an extensive array of exciting activities are now available within driving distance.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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This legislation will trigger automatic cuts to Medicare totaling $500 billion over eight years.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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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Is the show of regret a conditioned response associated with receiving a less severe punishment?—
Charlotte Hu,
Discover Magazine,
31 July 2011
Adjective
-
Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 July 2025
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Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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