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
The problem with this approach is that the guardrails are reactive and treat the symptoms rather than solve the root cause.
—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2026
Dutch cyber strategy has moved beyond a purely reactive model and now includes more proactive efforts to detect, disrupt, and counter hostile cyber activity.
—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
The problem is that this approach can become expensive and reactive.
—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Her league stays in constant reactive mode, accused of failing to protect its star of stars.
—
Candace Buckner,
New York Times,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2026
Dutch cyber strategy has moved beyond a purely reactive model and now includes more proactive efforts to detect, disrupt, and counter hostile cyber activity.
—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
The problem is that this approach can become expensive and reactive.
—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Her league stays in constant reactive mode, accused of failing to protect its star of stars.
—
Candace Buckner,
New York Times,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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First, bringing tried-and-true basics allows for spontaneous styling, rather than trying to plan every outfit ahead of time.
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The spontaneous pregnancy was so rare that even some medical professionals struggled to explain its odds.
Adjective
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Passive cooling, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, refers to ways to lower the indoor temperature that don’t necessarily require mechanical technology, like AC.
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The pool did not open Saturday with the city's other outdoor pools after mechanical problems delayed the start of the season for the second consecutive year.
Adjective
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The clinical version dates to research in the 1960s and 1970s, when devices tracked heart rate variability, muscle tension and skin temperature to help people regulate what was once considered automatic.
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The Disciplinary Code states that a sending off or automatic suspension can only be challenged if it was issued to the wrong player.
Adjective
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Thankfully, a mechanic shop was a short drive away.
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Smoke invades their businesses, even their sleep Inside MV Automotive at East Olympic Boulevard and Alma Avenue, Manny Villasenor, whose father owns the mechanic shop, said the smoke had forced him to close earlier.
Adjective
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As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.
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Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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