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
That’s a sign of reactive cookware, typically aluminum or low-grade stainless steel, interacting with the food.
—
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Evans called those measures reactive instead of preventative.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The event will feature live, reactive visuals throughout the evening and a DJ set by King Khary.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The convergence of an expanding threat surface and rapidly advancing attacker capabilities makes a reactive cybersecurity strategy untenable.
—Shane Buckley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 July 2025
Evans called those measures reactive instead of preventative.
—Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The event will feature live, reactive visuals throughout the evening and a DJ set by King Khary.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The convergence of an expanding threat surface and rapidly advancing attacker capabilities makes a reactive cybersecurity strategy untenable.
—Shane Buckley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Relatedly, many people become more open to spontaneous thinking in the evening, when the brain is less focused and inhibited.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
10 July 2025
-
This exhilarating transit could spark a need for spontaneous self-expression and creative freedom.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
-
Things like robot bartenders, a remarkable sightseeing capsule that rises on a 300-foot-long mechanical arm, and an extensive array of exciting activities are now available within driving distance.—
Erica Silverstein,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
This legislation will trigger automatic cuts to Medicare totaling $500 billion over eight years.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
-
But this went from an idea that was an automatic community win to an example of desperate nickel and diming.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Another customer says the soap works wonders for their mechanic husband and is powerful enough to remove dirt and grease.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
10 July 2025
-
Before becoming a cofounder, Hildreth worked in roles that many would dismiss as mundane: mechanic, logistics officer and government contractor.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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
-
Is the show of regret a conditioned response associated with receiving a less severe punishment?—
Charlotte Hu,
Discover Magazine,
31 July 2011
Adjective
-
Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 July 2025
-
Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share