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
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Recent Examples of reactive
The goal is to transform the shopping experience from a static, reactive process into one that is proactive and deeply personal.
—
Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
That instinct — to build rather than wait — may prove to be not just reactive, but exactly the right response to a changing economy.
—Revana Sharfuddin, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026
Security wants honesty as the nurturing Moon lights your 2nd House of Finances, while reactive Uranus stands opposite in your 8th House of Shared Resources and demands updates.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
Some common culprits include harsh sulfates, which can strip natural oils; high concentrations of drying alcohols; overly aggressive exfoliating acids; and fragrance, especially for sensitive or reactive skin types.
—Kieaundria Bellamy, InStyle, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 1 June 2026
That instinct — to build rather than wait — may prove to be not just reactive, but exactly the right response to a changing economy.
—Revana Sharfuddin, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026
Security wants honesty as the nurturing Moon lights your 2nd House of Finances, while reactive Uranus stands opposite in your 8th House of Shared Resources and demands updates.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
Some common culprits include harsh sulfates, which can strip natural oils; high concentrations of drying alcohols; overly aggressive exfoliating acids; and fragrance, especially for sensitive or reactive skin types.
—Kieaundria Bellamy, InStyle, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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The right pair of shorts or cropped pants can keep you cool and comfortable on long walks to explore new neighborhoods, lazy afternoons at outdoor cafes, hikes to a waterfall or outlook, and spontaneous detours to the beach.—
Robin Raven,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
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That instinct toward image-as-communication shapes the film’s central tension, between the deliberate, enduring photographs made at father-in-law Makoto’s traditional photo studio and the spontaneous clips Yuta fires off on his phone.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2026
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Engineers at the University of California, San Diego may have developed a different way to connect satellites to Earth, replacing large mechanical dishes with networks of smaller, flat antennas distributed across rooftops, telecom towers, and other buildings.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Razeen Road finally jogs east, and an automatic gate opens to allow drivers onto an unpaved road leading deeper into the desert.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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Furthermore, discovery networks like Podchaser index over 150,000 podcasts, and most top-tier podcast hosting sites now include automatic transcripts for creators as a standard feature.—
Frank Racioppi,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Guests then weave through the engine room and mechanic shop of Ohnaka Transport Solutions.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
21 May 2026
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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
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
-
The actor, 39, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of simple battery in a Louisiana criminal court Wednesday, June 3, according to records obtained by USA TODAY.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
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At the time, the New Orleans Police Department confirmed its officers charged LaBeouf with two counts of simple battery for allegedly assaulting two men near a bar in the French Quarter.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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