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 The data collected by these robots can be filtered and transmitted to operators in real time, allowing companies to identify problems earlier and shift from reactive repairs toward predictive maintenance. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 Because this type of multipoint investigation is reactive, the product that’s suspected of causing the illness may have already moved through the supply chain into stores or restaurants and has already been consumed. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 Personally, niacinamide has held a regular place in my routine for years to treat my oil-prone, reactive skin. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 July 2026 Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that damage DNA, cells, and tissues. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 22 July 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
  • And, contrary to the fantasies of libertarians, no good road net has ever emerged from the spontaneous actions of individuals maximizing their own welfare and without collective action through government.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026
  • Corrin remembers getting a custom leather wash bag at Hôtel de Crillon in Paris but says a spontaneous gesture meant even more.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • Pushing high-speed lines through deep water barriers demonstrates mechanical durability and precision control.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
  • Berto’s marketing exec Andrea de Fatima Facchin said the mill began to develop fabrics with Banantex in 2024 after being drawn to the next-generation material’s environmental integrity and superior mechanical properties.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Langley said that his company has recently rolled out a robust automatic audit process by which suspicious or questionable activity is flagged for administrators.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • If an open door isn’t detected, the automatic parking brake won’t activate, increasing the risk of vehicle rollaway.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 30 July 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • In an Atlantic essay, Wight recalled finding a mechanic reading Thucydides on the grimy floor of his shop, a bare bulb illuminating his page.
    — Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
  • Thankfully, a mechanic shop was a short drive away.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 28 June 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
  • One solution would be a relatively simple expansion of the southern end of the Stadium of Light to mirror the height of the west and north.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Food safety experts say a few simple habits can make a difference.
    — Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 21 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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