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
There’s always a reactive part of it.
—
Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
In contrast, a smaller group of children were more like orchids—sensitive and innately reactive to their circumstances.
—Parents, 7 June 2026
The result has been a regulatory environment that many market investors and policy advocates viewed as fragmented and reactive rather than coordinated and pro-innovation.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
At the same time, many leaders report feeling overwhelmed, reactive and stretched thin.
—Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
In contrast, a smaller group of children were more like orchids—sensitive and innately reactive to their circumstances.
—Parents, 7 June 2026
The result has been a regulatory environment that many market investors and policy advocates viewed as fragmented and reactive rather than coordinated and pro-innovation.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
At the same time, many leaders report feeling overwhelmed, reactive and stretched thin.
—Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
But for a pivotal game four of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, spontaneous outdoor gatherings won’t be allowed in front of the team’s famed arena.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
-
Now the line gets its third generation, designed to be tossed in a bag and pulled out for spontaneous, screen-free moments.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2026
-
Upstairs, the 2,940-square-foot western bar Big Shots features line dancing, beer and a mechanical bull.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Swanson is a healthy player, Counsell said, and the manager wound up subbing him in as the automatic runner at second base for Saturday’s 10th inning against the San Francisco Giants.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
7 June 2026
-
Furthermore, hoisting the trophy would secure the final crucial points needed to grant her automatic entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame.—
Bob Buttitta,
Daily News,
7 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
-
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
-
My wife goes into the kitchen and returns with beer, fruit, and a few simple dishes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
The measure needs a simple majority to win.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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