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
Watch for being overly reactive as the Gemini moon confronts Mars.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
The agency said the facility contained about 440 pounds of highly reactive chemicals.
—Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
Nam said workers recovered more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of highly reactive chemicals from the site.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
These meeting points are often highly reactive, and the outermost layer of molecules act in really unique ways that can be useful to us.
—Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Usa Today, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
The agency said the facility contained about 440 pounds of highly reactive chemicals.
—Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
Nam said workers recovered more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of highly reactive chemicals from the site.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
These meeting points are often highly reactive, and the outermost layer of molecules act in really unique ways that can be useful to us.
—Mariel Carr, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Even a spontaneous side order of roasted carrots with pomegranate yogurt is haunting me, in a wonderful way.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
And Stanford forbade spontaneous demonstrations across much of campus.—
Rose Horowitch,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Form Insoles combine mechanical arch support with a neuro-stimulating texture, which is proven to reduce foot fatigue and arch pain by increasing overall foot awareness and foot posture.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Until the economies of scale kicked in that would shove mechanical movements into near oblivion within a decade, quartz watches were priced well at the luxury end of the market.—
David Szondy
March 28,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
With automatic runner Bo Bichette also aboard at second, Robert reached down and drove a 1-0 slider over the left-center fence for his first homer with the Mets.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
For many years now, that increase has been automatic based on growth in the national average wage index.—
Tom Margenau,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The scheme, which uses single-button presses to deploy impressive moves, appears easy to learn on the surface, but Quarter Up layered complexity through the tag mechanic and defensive options to create depth.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The first Meat Castle series is Hands On, in which Scherr, a former tradesman and mechanic, tries his hand at a new unique craft in each episode, diving headfirst into the skilled professions that power the American dream.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Mar. 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
-
In Catanzaro Lido, a beach town along the Ionian coast, meals tend to be simple and communal.—
Jenna Curcio,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
In her first interview since becoming head of content at Disney+ EMEA, Angela Jain has said the message to writers and producers is simple, the streamer is going to greenlight more originals from the region and will be backing that effort with extra funds for local fare.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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