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
Minson says these help combat harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that can build up inside of us and trigger a cascade of inflammation.
—
Will Stone, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
This approach empowers operators to move beyond reactive purchasing and build enduring supply chain resilience, even amid ongoing global disruption.
—CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Because helium is essential for pressurizing cryogenic tanks and for purging the pipelines that will carry highly reactive liquid oxygen, the leak raised concerns.
—Marcos Fernandez Tous, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
The antioxidants in quinoa fight oxidative stress (an imbalance between antioxidants and highly reactive free radical molecules), which causes tissue damage and raises the risk of chronic health conditions.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Will Stone, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
This approach empowers operators to move beyond reactive purchasing and build enduring supply chain resilience, even amid ongoing global disruption.
—CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Because helium is essential for pressurizing cryogenic tanks and for purging the pipelines that will carry highly reactive liquid oxygen, the leak raised concerns.
—Marcos Fernandez Tous, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
The antioxidants in quinoa fight oxidative stress (an imbalance between antioxidants and highly reactive free radical molecules), which causes tissue damage and raises the risk of chronic health conditions.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Everybody to Kenmure Street charts the events of the spontaneous community protest on Glasgow’s Kenmure Street, when hundreds united to stop the deportation of their neighbours.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The Bottom Line A spontaneous spring break trip is more doable than many travelers assume.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Flying the morning of an important presentation may not raise any obvious red flags, but that tight scheduling leaves no margin for unexpected obstacles, like weather events or mechanical issues.—
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But Gabriel Pec was tagged with a second yellow card four minutes later and forced to exit after being shown the automatic red card.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile Fairfield and Quinnipiac, both 19-1, are battling for the MAAC’s automatic tournament bid.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, mechanic Fausto Oppici is in the back seat, a cooler of water bottles at his feet and five spare wheels next to him.—
Andy McGrath,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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The stranger told him about airframe and power plant mechanic school.—
Wilborn P. Nobles III,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Feb. 2026
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
-
Engineers have developed a simple strategy to help robots remain stable while repairing satellites in orbit by using a second robotic arm to counterbalance movements.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
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Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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