reactive

adjective

Definition of reactivenext
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

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 Without a strategic talent function, there is a heightened risk of critical workforce decisions becoming inherently reactive. — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 This catalyst splits paired hydrogen molecules into highly reactive individual hydrogen atoms. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 The meeting of water and plastic creates a third class of molecules called reactive oxygen species. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The most water-repelling plastics, polyethylene and polypropylene, were the most reactive, and PET and acrylic were the least reactive. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
  1. spontaneous
  2. mechanical
  3. automatic
  4. mechanic
  5. conditioned
  6. simple
Adjective
  • My interruptions only spoiled the spontaneous flow of Bob’s thoughts.
    — Keith McDermott, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
  • While some demonstrations have been announced, including on October 31, other protests are spontaneous.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • No mechanical failure, operational error, or other contributing factor has been identified.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Yao also thinks that there may be more promising sources of energy to harvest from than mechanical motion, which requires implantation in parts of the body where motion is constant.
    — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Non-metallic shells insulate metallic components, conductive feet provide grounding, and automatic cutoffs monitor temperature.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office charged Hernandez Santana, 65, with firing a gun into an inhabited building, assault with a semi-automatic firearm and firing a gun in a grossly negligent manner.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of mechanic
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
Definition of conditioned
Adjective
  • The actor wore a long black leather coat over a simple black tank, paired with straight-leg blue jeans cinched with a leather belt.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The company played with flexible workdays instead of rigid schedules, clearer windows for collaboration, simpler rules for meetings, better ways to share and document work, and more intentional reasons for coming together in person.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

reactivations
reactive
reacts
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Cite this Entry

“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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