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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 Empa Empa's underlying epoxy chemistry uses reactive phosphorus-containing molecules to introduce dynamic bonds into the thermoset. — New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026 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 — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Outdated grid-management rules exempted solar power plants from the same reactive power control contributions required of legacy plants, potentially exposing the grid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 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
  • The young mother was diagnosed with a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
    — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The Pisces Moon in your finance zone squares your ruler Uranus in your playful 5th house, making spontaneous plans, tickets, hobbies, or treats harder to resist.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • So, say your evening flight is canceled because the aircraft develops a mechanical problem and the next departure is not until morning.
    — Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Because the carbon material smooths itself during deposition, manufacturers can eliminate downstream chemical mechanical planarization or etch-back steps that are normally needed to create the required surface.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Security Accounting software contains sensitive financial information, so only consider a platform with strong security measures like encryption, secure bank connections, authentication and automatic data backups.
    — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
  • District title races rev up Friday night with 14 of the Sentinel Super 16 teams playing games that count in the chase for automatic state playoff berths.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 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
  • During the recent session, Soto taught people how to make coils for teardrop designs along with other simple shapes.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The simplest distinction is powered flight versus unpowered glide.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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