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 process, called phototoxicity, happens when light-reactive chemicals from fragrances and other substances sit on the skin and are exposed to sunlight.
—
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Why Returns Intelligence Is a Business Growth Driver Returns intelligence, when powered by AI and real-time behavioral data, allows retailers to shift from reactive to proactive.
—Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Positions eliminated include 120 stage two technical support engineers, 41 reactive support managers, and 31 fintech analysts.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
From Reaction to Prevention: A Cultural Shift The true power of breathwork may be its ability to shift wellness from reactive to proactive.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Why Returns Intelligence Is a Business Growth Driver Returns intelligence, when powered by AI and real-time behavioral data, allows retailers to shift from reactive to proactive.
—Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Positions eliminated include 120 stage two technical support engineers, 41 reactive support managers, and 31 fintech analysts.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
From Reaction to Prevention: A Cultural Shift The true power of breathwork may be its ability to shift wellness from reactive to proactive.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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Mid-century collective behavior theories considered social movements to be nonrational, spontaneous events occurring during moments of social and cultural breakdown.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Sep. 2025
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This bill would entrench West Oakland and many other neighborhoods across the state as sacrifice zones, forcing us to deal with toxic chemicals and spontaneous fires for the sake of corporate profits.—
Brian Beveridge,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Rather than employ mechanical changes to his swing, the Twins thought moving free and easy would simply allow Jenkins to attack more of the zone.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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While quartz has served the industry well for decades, its sensitivity to environmental conditions, mechanical stress and aging presents challenges in demanding applications.—
Markus Lutz,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But those ninth innings had started to become less automatic, and Counsell trusts relievers such as Brad Keller (Friday’s eighth-inning guy) and Andrew Kittredge (Friday’s closer) in just about any situation.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
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That includes supporting a ban on semiautomatic automatic weapons and high capacity magazines.—
Mark Vancleave,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The man was working at a mechanic shop in the 4300 block of Eden Road in Kennedale.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
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Part surgeon, part mechanic — as seen sawing away at a leg in EW's exclusive Fall Movie Preview image, above — days spent filming in Victor's lab were some of the actor's favorite.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Sep. 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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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
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Their simple plan goes awry when one of their relatives wants a posh Korean wedding banquet in the heartfelt romantic comedy.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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The inspiration The Copleys wanted a low-water garden that would be simple to care for.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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