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
Policing shouldn’t just be reactive.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
This is more reactive rather than ritualistic.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
After a person recovers from the infection, the virus stays inactive in the body and can become reactive years later, causing shingles, the CDC said.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Silk Similar to wool, silk is quite reactive to its environment.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
This is more reactive rather than ritualistic.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
After a person recovers from the infection, the virus stays inactive in the body and can become reactive years later, causing shingles, the CDC said.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Silk Similar to wool, silk is quite reactive to its environment.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
In 2024, for example, more than 700 newborns died from spontaneous bleeding in their brains, which could have been complicated by liver disease or prematurity.—
Lee Hutchinson,
ArsTechnica,
6 May 2026
-
The little details are also covered—ice water delivered at regular intervals by beach staff, as well as complimentary kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear, making a spontaneous adventure easy to come by.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
In 2016, its Swiss Alp model took a lighthearted jab at the tech industry, introducing a high-end mechanical timekeeper resembling the Apple Watch.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
2 May 2026
-
Felix Bohnsack, a twenty-two-year-old mechanical-engineering student, was ostensibly coördinating the work.—
Jessica Camille Aguirre,
New Yorker,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Massey began the inning as the automatic runner at second base, stole third, and then scored on Garcia’s flyball to center field off Cooper Criswell (1-1).—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 May 2026
-
Third-place finishers may advance via an automatic qualifier.—
Charles Baggarly
May 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Eva Petzel, who will be an inspector working in Crown Point on election day, worked with mechanic Doug Kiser on a practice tutorial at the Lake County Government Complex on Saturday.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
Voters will decide in November on whether the union leader and mechanic stays in the seat ahead of the 2027 legislative session.—
Lina Ruiz
May 1,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 May 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
-
These are products have a short, simple ingredient lists that are easy to understand for regular consumers and are free from additives.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
7 May 2026
-
Sometimes this involved simple in-person observations.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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