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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
In India’s case, this is not reactive.
—
Angela Chitkara, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
In Aries, this visceral energy takes on a more impulsive, reactive vibe, inspiring the urge to act on a vision without fully seeing it through.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Sealed with a reactive blue finish, this 12-piece set looks like the ocean itself when paired with beige linen tablecloths and wicker place mats to mimic the sandy beach.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Medical schools are also increasingly responsive — and sometimes preemptively reactive — to political pressure.
—Uché Blackstock, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Angela Chitkara, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
In Aries, this visceral energy takes on a more impulsive, reactive vibe, inspiring the urge to act on a vision without fully seeing it through.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Sealed with a reactive blue finish, this 12-piece set looks like the ocean itself when paired with beige linen tablecloths and wicker place mats to mimic the sandy beach.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Medical schools are also increasingly responsive — and sometimes preemptively reactive — to political pressure.
—Uché Blackstock, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Investigators say the trip appeared far from spontaneous.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
His content is best known for his spontaneous interactions, such as stopping to talk with strangers on the roadside or offering impromptu taxi services.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Muncy's fly to left field scored Jacob Wilson, who began the inning as the automatic runner at second base and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Denzel Clarke.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
During a routine maneuver in late February, Voyager 1's power levels fell unexpectedly, bringing the probe dangerously close to triggering an automatic fault-protection shutdown — a self-preservation response that would have forced engineers into a lengthy and risky recovery process.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Potholes may go unfilled, Davis said, and drivers may have to make unplanned trips to the mechanic shop to fix their tires as a result.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
And soon after another brother and mechanic William Davidson joined the team.—
Ricardo Torres,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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
Adjective
-
The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
This translates to the Gap cardigan sweater and the Levi’s shorts paired with the flats for a simple, slightly elevated look that feels comfortable.—
Isis Briones,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
