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
But both were reactive fixes, assembled after earlier crises exposed what the system had failed to imagine.
—
Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Virgin oak, which is legally required to age bourbon, is much more reactive than refill casks; and just like virgin mizunara, 35 years is a very long time for a malt whisky to spend in these types of barrels.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2026
This combination encourages short-term thinking while keeping you in a reactive mode.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
The dishwasher-safe Ceramic Canister comes with a matching lid and a reactive glaze for a unique finish.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Virgin oak, which is legally required to age bourbon, is much more reactive than refill casks; and just like virgin mizunara, 35 years is a very long time for a malt whisky to spend in these types of barrels.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2026
This combination encourages short-term thinking while keeping you in a reactive mode.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
The dishwasher-safe Ceramic Canister comes with a matching lid and a reactive glaze for a unique finish.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Briery said spontaneous identical triplets are worth marking, no matter how rare.—
Ryan Brennan
April 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Before then, Venus and Uranus are lighting up your local world and social life, making the first two weeks ripe for spontaneous adventure closer to home.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Scaling nanotechnology through biological principles The basic premise of this research is in molecular machines, which are mechanical components consisting of only a few dozen atoms.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This would be achieved by making the flying experience less like an airplane and more like an automobile, including replacing mechanical control linkages with fly-by-wire systems, even removing the traditional rudder pedals.—
David Szondy
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Frankly, both had done enough to merit promotion — but EFL begrudgingly grants just one automatic place to the National League, and another via a round of play-offs.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, bought a Maverick 12-gauge pump-action shotgun from Turner’s Outdoorsman in Torrance in August 2025 and an Armscor semi-automatic pistol from CAP Tactical Firearms in Lawndale in October 2023, the profile shows.—
Myles Miller,
Bloomberg,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Potholes may go unfilled, Davis said, and drivers may have to make unplanned trips to the mechanic shop to fix their tires as a result.—
Kathryn Watson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
And soon after another brother and mechanic William Davidson joined the team.—
Ricardo Torres,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 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
-
July 23 – August 22 Clarity today comes from keeping your message simple and grounded.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Brown said Atlanta was taking away the Knicks’ spray game, which made the answer simpler.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
