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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Recent Examples of reactive
In the presence of air humidity, oxygen is converted into reactive oxygen species, which kills odor-causing and other microorganisms.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Cautioning against indiscriminate use of power, Della Valle urged entrepreneurs to be reactive.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Bowman fired back that the mayor is being reactive rather than proactive in addressing the city's issues.
—Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Oct. 2025
Pups with excitable and reactive temperaments were especially responsive to on-screen content, suggesting that many canines may interpret moving images much like real-world events.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Cautioning against indiscriminate use of power, Della Valle urged entrepreneurs to be reactive.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Bowman fired back that the mayor is being reactive rather than proactive in addressing the city's issues.
—Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Oct. 2025
Pups with excitable and reactive temperaments were especially responsive to on-screen content, suggesting that many canines may interpret moving images much like real-world events.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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These mutations can be spontaneous, but the paternal age of a sperm donor can also be a factor.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The piece signals transformation, but the spontaneous laugh turns luxury into connection; by the red-gown reveal, the necklace reads less like a trophy and more like a charm that’s worked.—
Lilah Ramzi,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The second, Lisa Pisano, received a mechanical heart pump in addition to the pig kidney in April 2024.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
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That lighter frame allowed smaller motors and more compact batteries, creating cascading cost reductions throughout the mechanical system.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The technology included corrupt automatic shuffling machines that read cards and predicted which player had the best hand.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Choose from eight lighting modes—including twinkle, slow fade, steady glow, or flash—and even set an automatic shut-off timer.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The maps are also designed around Black Ops 7’s new wall jump mechanic.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Oct. 2025
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Crowson said the suspect then drove to an area about two and a half miles north of the mechanic shop, where police received a report of another shooting.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
9 Oct. 2025
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
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While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Oct. 2025
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But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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