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
Pups with excitable and reactive temperaments were especially responsive to on-screen content, suggesting that many canines may interpret moving images much like real-world events.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
On the other hand, the effectiveness of previous photocatalytic systems has been limited by their reliance on reactive oxygen species (ROS).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
More proactive actions, fewer reactive ones.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
However, some of these self-reactive immune cells escape this process of elimination and are released into the rest of the body.
—Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
On the other hand, the effectiveness of previous photocatalytic systems has been limited by their reliance on reactive oxygen species (ROS).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
More proactive actions, fewer reactive ones.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
However, some of these self-reactive immune cells escape this process of elimination and are released into the rest of the body.
—Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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However, unlike beer or cheese, where microbes are intentionally introduced and controlled, fermentation in cocoa beans is a spontaneous process and largely uncontrolled.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Oct. 2025
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And the Eagles are catching spontaneous migraines on third downs, ranking just 27th in converting them and 26th in defending them.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 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,
13 Oct. 2025
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Unlike mechanical models, electronic door handles rely on sensors and electricity and may fail during a fire or power outage.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The criminal complaint, though, does not mention a semi-automatic weapon or that Martinez was armed.—
Josh Campbell,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
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Turn on automatic updates so you're always protected without having to think about it.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Crowson said the suspect then drove to an area about two and a half miles north of the mechanic shop, where police received a report of another shooting.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
9 Oct. 2025
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An hour later, a mechanic shop in Houston called 911 to report that a man had shot and killed a male employee.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
9 Oct. 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
-
Monochromatic Raven loves to stick to a simple, serene palette by combining a variety of white tulips with different bloom times.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
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This Madewell version channels that effortless, neutral polish Kitts described—simple, structured, and endlessly versatile.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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