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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 Beyond the inconceivable mishap, the Huskers looked reactive and a step slow on defense for the entire first quarter. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 O’Connell is mostly reactive at first, with Larry skeptical about Rupert’s ambitions and hesitant to seem too eager. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Outdated grid-management rules exempted solar power plants from the same reactive power control contributions required of legacy plants, potentially exposing the grid to instability. — IEEE Spectrum, 29 Aug. 2026 Another, on Tuesday, came on a reactive attempt to make a play on a ball that ricocheted off of Chisholm’s glove; a rushing Lombard threw it away. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 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
  • As an editor on the shopping desk, New York Fashion Week means a back-to-back schedule of runway shows, showroom previews, and meetings–with iced matcha breaks and spontaneous dinners throughout.
    — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Her love of travel has been a lifelong passion but was undeniably sparked by a spontaneous solo trip to London her junior year of college.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • Strength training involves using weights, machines, resistance bands, or even your own body weight to provide the mechanical stimulus muscles need to maintain or build strength.
    — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The Michigan investigation will now determine whether a mechanical failure, environmental factor, bird strike, or another issue caused the fighter to lose control.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Inside is Blancpain’s automatic caliber 615, introduced in 1995 and refined over the following three decades.
    — Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Items like window coverings, outdoor lighting, storage sheds and automatic garage door openers all add economic value.
    — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 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
  • Underpinning this assessment is the fact that disagreements between the two nations have gradually expanded beyond simple tariff disputes.
    — , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In simple terms, cherry juice targets the muscle inflammation caused by exercise, known as oxidative stress.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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