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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reactive
City leadership must be proactive, not reactive, and make thoughtful decisions that protect both residents and essential services.
—
Andrea Keiser, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The real question is whether Europe can move from reactive crisis management to having a proactive geopolitical strategy.
—Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Your sign’s financial sector has reactive influences, and good decisions are seldom made when Universal stars are underwater.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Episodes will drop twice a week with Monday episodes offering fast, reactive analysis of the weekend’s racing drama and Thursday episodes going deeper into the story of the week, alongside big-name interviews.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Andrea Keiser, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The real question is whether Europe can move from reactive crisis management to having a proactive geopolitical strategy.
—Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Your sign’s financial sector has reactive influences, and good decisions are seldom made when Universal stars are underwater.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Episodes will drop twice a week with Monday episodes offering fast, reactive analysis of the weekend’s racing drama and Thursday episodes going deeper into the story of the week, alongside big-name interviews.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
His response was considered a striking, and spontaneous, moral condemnation of McCarthy’s excesses.—
Kristen Monroe,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The spontaneous pep talk from Madonna came shortly before Glenn competed on the ice for the women’s short, which ended with the American at 13th place in the overall skater standings.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The leaf shutter in the lens has a range from bulb to 1/500th of a second and is controlled via a mechanical film advance lever built around brass gears and mechanisms that provides a tactile experience.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Each employee gets their own retirement account, with automatic contributions made from their paychecks.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The transistor acts like an automatic switch.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rosalba worked in the accounting department of a mail order catalog company and later helped her husband run a mechanic shop in Granada Hills.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Approximately 55 bus driver, bus monitor and mechanic roles will be cut.—
Kathryn Muchnick,
Louisville Courier Journal,
13 Feb. 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
-
That simple sentiment distills what being a Louisianan is about.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
-
No doubt history would be very different if a citizen’s duty was simple obeyance.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
