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 That means companies must stay agile without becoming reactive. — Gina Mastantuono, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 Despite Villa reaching their zenith under Emery in May, there was a growing argument to undergo a stable transitional phase, providing youthful impetus and appearing proactive, rather than reactive, in lowering the age of the squad. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 That could have made playing a highly reactive character like Carol therapeutic. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 The protein sends electrons flowing in the opposite direction of their usual microscopic relay race, a reversal that generates reactive oxygen species, cellular stress, and inflammation. — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 6 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
  • How spontaneous is the crew in choosing to, say, send you off on a commuter train in Mumbai?
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The team also showed that the spontaneous mode could act as a magnonic parametric amplifier, producing gains of up to 40 decibels.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • Counter identified the auditorium’s main air-supply fan as original equipment dating to 1937, and described mechanical and electrical systems that have been added onto and modified repeatedly over the decades.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
  • NordSpace had planned to launch its own Taiga rocket from the Atlantic Spaceport Launch Complex in August 2025, but the test was aborted due to mechanical issues.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • Teoscar Hernández led off the 10th with a single off Jimmy Herget (0-5) and Freddie Freeman's sacrifice fly scored automatic runner Andy Pages.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Beating at the core of the new models is the automatic Calibre 37-24, which offers up a flyback function that lets the wearer stop, reset, and restart the timepiece with just a press of the pusher.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • More recently, the Daily News has learned, a local bus made runs in Manhattan for three weeks despite a driver reporting steering problems and a mechanic finding severely worn suspension components.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Bou Meng, along with two other survivors, artist Vann Nath and mechanic Chum Mey, testified in 2009 at the trial of Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, who had been the S-21 commandant.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 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
  • With other phones, even something simple like replacing an aging battery often requires melting adhesive, prying apart fragile glass panels, and decoupling cables.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • For a generation that grew up under those glowing Pizza Hut pendants, the appeal is simple.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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