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
During an immune response, the body produces reactive oxygen species (unstable molecules).
—
Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026
However, the center of gravity has moved toward regime change rather than social reform, creating a hybrid movement that is both reactive and ideological.
—Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Your mind feels organized, strategic, and less reactive than usual.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 4 Jan. 2026
The market wasn't incredibly reactive to the news.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026
However, the center of gravity has moved toward regime change rather than social reform, creating a hybrid movement that is both reactive and ideological.
—Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
Your mind feels organized, strategic, and less reactive than usual.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 4 Jan. 2026
The market wasn't incredibly reactive to the news.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
While spontaneous mentions of high prices increased for a fifth month, inflation expectations eased over the longer term.—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This could look like spontaneous travel plans, shifting your career focus or even a spiritual awakening.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Products like tractors, sprayers, irrigation equipment, mechanical pickers and fertilizer will also be exempt from the tax with the new cards.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The battle for the Group of 5 automatic bid is wide open in Week 11.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
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Say, for example, that a restaurant’s menu states that an automatic 18% charge will be added to all bills for parties of six or more customers.—
Cheryl Winokur Munk,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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For example, ads for mechanic positions were predominantly shown to men, while those for preschool teacher roles were primarily directed to women.—
Carlotta Dotto,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Donegan, who is twenty-eight, grew up in small-town Virginia, in a family that owned an assortment of local businesses—a tobacco farm, a mechanic shop, an electricity company.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 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
-
According to Bruce Blair, a former Air Force launch officer and nuclear policy expert, between 1962 and the mid-1970s the most powerful digits on the globe were simple – eight zeros.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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That something as simple as a COVID vaccine might improve survival in cancer patients receiving standard immunotherapy has taken oncologists by surprise — in a good way.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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