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
Suitable for all skin types—including reactive and compromised skin—licorice extract helps counteract damage associated with eczema, dermatitis, and allergic reactions.
—
Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Protease, a gentle enzyme, smooths texture and helps strengthen the moisture barrier so skin stays bouncier, less reactive, and better hydrated.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026
According to Amnesty International, Israel used white phosphorus, a highly reactive chemical that burns at extremely high temperatures when exposed to air.
—Josiane Yazbeck, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026
Those educated in the rise and fall of nations understand that the path is short from reactive government intervention to institutional oppressive autocracy.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
Protease, a gentle enzyme, smooths texture and helps strengthen the moisture barrier so skin stays bouncier, less reactive, and better hydrated.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2026
According to Amnesty International, Israel used white phosphorus, a highly reactive chemical that burns at extremely high temperatures when exposed to air.
—Josiane Yazbeck, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026
Those educated in the rise and fall of nations understand that the path is short from reactive government intervention to institutional oppressive autocracy.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Long afternoons and spontaneous plans unfold on patios and in parks across the city.—
Julia Viele,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Wilde explained that the film had many influences, including Mike Nichols and Nora Ephron, but the collaborative writing process and spontaneous shoot was partially inspired by the films of John Cassavetes.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
One way engineers capture this bottleneck is through work density – the amount of mechanical energy an actuator can deliver per unit volume, expressed in kilojoules per cubic meter.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Things got off to an inauspicious start when Air Force One was turned back by mechanical issues.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Membership is automatic for first-time guests who book a stay at rates running $3,000 to $5,000 a night for up to 10 people.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
In 2024, some 45% of participants boosted 401(k) deferrals — on their own or as part of their plan’s automatic increases — according to Vanguard’s 2025 How America Saves report, which is based on more than 1,400 plans and nearly 5 million participants.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Car lots, mechanic shops, and cafes line a forlorn stretch of Route 66 in central Amarillo, but vibrant art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, a bookstore, and record shop are concentrated in a lively 13-block strip of the famed highway west of the central business district.—
Pam LeBlanc,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2026
-
In June 2020, the 72-year-old former police officer and mechanic pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder and other crimes in order to avoid the death penalty.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 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
-
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
-
In such a world, simple answers won’t do; only the courage to ask the hardest questions will push us forward.—
Daphne Koller,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Knox, who committed to wrestle at Rutgers University, and his dad were initially charged with simple assault for purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury after a brawl broke out at Collingswood High School on February.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
