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 The meeting of water and plastic creates a third class of molecules called reactive oxygen species. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The polystyrene powder and water mixture contained hydroxyl radicals, a highly reactive ROS. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026 The most water-repelling plastics, polyethylene and polypropylene, were the most reactive, and PET and acrylic were the least reactive. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Oct. 2026 My own reactive skin tolerated it without an issue, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s will. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 Oct. 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
  • Much like her character Klara, Ortega chooses to have faith in humans and their spontaneous wonder.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Celine’s Michael Rider leads a pack of creatives who seek spontaneous styling, embrace imperfection, and refuse to be bound by rules.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • Bushings are parts designed to reduce friction and absorb shock in various mechanical assemblies.
    — Graham Kates, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • These components are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and mechanical stress.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • District winners earn automatic berths into the FHSAA playoffs.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Independent Payment Advisory Board, which was supposed to force automatic Medicare cuts if spending exceeded target growth rates, was repealed in 2018 without ever becoming operational.
    — Dana P. Goldman, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 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
  • The best power pop is simple, direct, and memorable, in both words and sound.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The lack of close coordination between these simple details undermines the structure’s coherence and intent.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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