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
In a clinical setting, bibliotherapy can be reactive or prescriptive.
—
Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Notwithstanding the Biden administration’s efforts, even most federal enforcement was reactive — responses to complaints filed with government authorities.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Yet, despite the clear demand, our collective response remains fragmented, reactive, and in many cases, ineffective.
—Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Iannone sounded a positive note over the potential impact of tariffs, at least on the collectibles segment, given trading cards are largely an internal U.S. market and tend to be less reactive to spending pullbacks by consumers compared to purchases of new items.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Notwithstanding the Biden administration’s efforts, even most federal enforcement was reactive — responses to complaints filed with government authorities.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Yet, despite the clear demand, our collective response remains fragmented, reactive, and in many cases, ineffective.
—Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Iannone sounded a positive note over the potential impact of tariffs, at least on the collectibles segment, given trading cards are largely an internal U.S. market and tend to be less reactive to spending pullbacks by consumers compared to purchases of new items.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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Pockets of time when most parents are homebound are now ripe for spontaneous hangouts, especially because their kids can entertain one another.—
Rhaina Cohen,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2025
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But most mutations are acquired — from lifestyle, environmental exposures, or spontaneous errors during cell division.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2025
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The company's debut product, an all-black keyboard with no key labels, put mechanical keyboards on the radar of computer geeks and general consumers alike.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Lola Jones, Hillsdale softball: Jones pitched the final eight innings of Hillsdale’s nine-inning 2-1 win over Aragon, conceding only an automatic runner in the ninth and striking out seven.—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
13 May 2025
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Every reliever except Yuki Matsui has been complicit, though Jeremiah Estrada’s unearned run came after the automatic runner was placed on second in the 10th inning on Wednesday.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 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
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Style them with a simple tank for a casual day out, or add a blazer and ballet flats for a more polished airport look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2025
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Experts say these are all the benefits of this simple exercise Is Zone 2 cardio best for fat loss?—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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