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
The new design, which will be incorporated into everything from phones to watches to iPads, is meant to make every element on screen appear more fluid and reactive to movement.
—
John Ruwitch, NPR, 9 June 2025
The most reactive free radicals are called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which come from oxygen.3
What Free Radicals Do
Your body produces free radicals as a normal part of helping with some bodily functions.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 June 2025
This reactive approach overlooks strong candidates who bring growth potential.
—Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
According to the Tylenol team, the move into supplements was strategic in order to be able to offer consumers both reactive support with medication and proactive support with this new product.
—Emily Burns, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
John Ruwitch, NPR, 9 June 2025
The most reactive free radicals are called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which come from oxygen.3
What Free Radicals Do
Your body produces free radicals as a normal part of helping with some bodily functions.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 June 2025
This reactive approach overlooks strong candidates who bring growth potential.
—Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
According to the Tylenol team, the move into supplements was strategic in order to be able to offer consumers both reactive support with medication and proactive support with this new product.
—Emily Burns, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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Dating rocks involves using radiometric techniques that harness the natural and spontaneous radioactive decay of certain elements in the rock, which acts as a type of clock.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
27 June 2025
-
The Bridgerton alum, fresh off his Richard II run, says Italy, cycling, spritzes, and spontaneous moments fuel his summer spirit.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
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Just two decades ago, most people voted using mechanical levers or punch cards.—
Bruce Schneier,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Luke Williams, the automatic runner, took off for third, before briefly turning back to second, unsure of where to go.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
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Earlier this month, men’s and women’s basketball added a coaches challenge and removed automatic replays for out-of-bounds calls in the final two minutes for the sake of game flow.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Home in foreclosure, a mobile mechanic Online records show that his Canby Street home was in foreclosure last year and sold in September for $60,000.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 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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Is the show of regret a conditioned response associated with receiving a less severe punishment?—
Charlotte Hu,
Discover Magazine,
31 July 2011
Adjective
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The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
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Start your day like a pro with simple morning cleaning habits that keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and under control.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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