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
Cavefish cells produce lower levels of certain molecules called cytokines that promote inflammation, as well as lower levels of reactive oxygen species — tissue-damaging byproducts of the body’s metabolism that are often elevated in people with obesity or diabetes.
—
ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
Even simple changes, like running a fan or cracking a window for airflow, can make skin less reactive.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2025
In neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and aging, brain cells endure relentless damage from the excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can result in oxidative stress.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
The Chinese mill showcases the fabric’s versatility as loungewear and with details like flocking and check and striped constructions available in sulfur and reactive dye options.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
Even simple changes, like running a fan or cracking a window for airflow, can make skin less reactive.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2025
In neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and aging, brain cells endure relentless damage from the excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can result in oxidative stress.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
The Chinese mill showcases the fabric’s versatility as loungewear and with details like flocking and check and striped constructions available in sulfur and reactive dye options.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Butler never imagined Zimmerer – a typically non-spontaneous person – would drop everything to book a flight and travel more than 1,500 miles from Nebraska to be there.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Earlier in the tournament, Sinner said that their meetings now will never be quite as spontaneous as the epic five-setter here three years ago, which announced their rivalry to the world.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Ganatra and Weiss make everything feel a bit mechanical rather than an escalating spiral of craziness, and too many scenes play like montage fodder without actually taking the plot anywhere.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Aug. 2025
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
There is no semi-automatic offside system as in La Liga.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The system has an automatic self-cleaning function and is designed for easy, tool-free filter replacement, with filters lasting from 12 to 24 months.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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Three men who worked at a mechanic shop near where the truck was abandoned were taken into custody but later released due to insufficient evidence.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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
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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
-
With just a few chairs, a handful of tables and a simple tent, the setting was intimate but filled with love and intention.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
And one of these, for those of us accustomed to British conventions but who follow the game in continental Europe, is the simple passage of time.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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