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
Litigation is slow, reactive, and often limited in scope.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Their decision-making tends to be reactive, risk-averse and focused on short-term survival rather than long-term success.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Brown-rot fungi leave the lignin largely intact but release highly reactive molecules that break down the cellulose, leaving behind a brown, crumbly substrate.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Best Practical Explosion Awarded to any sequence that involves any reactive substance that amounts to an explosion.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Their decision-making tends to be reactive, risk-averse and focused on short-term survival rather than long-term success.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Brown-rot fungi leave the lignin largely intact but release highly reactive molecules that break down the cellulose, leaving behind a brown, crumbly substrate.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Best Practical Explosion Awarded to any sequence that involves any reactive substance that amounts to an explosion.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
While the photo recreation may seem spontaneous, Evelyn told Newsweek that her mom was the real mastermind behind it.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Spellbound audiences burst into spontaneous applause.—
Thomas Doherty,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
12 Mar. 2025
-
The vehicle is also fitted with a lower front valance skid plate, for mechanical protection.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The North Korean crew had reportedly switched off the ship's automatic identification system (AIS), a common practice when seeking to avoid detection.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The chance to move into the automatic promotion places has slipped away.—
Matt Woosnam,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
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His current mechanic shop is basically a retirement hobby, something to pass the time.—
Zach Helfand,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
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
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Is the show of regret a conditioned response associated with receiving a less severe punishment?—
Charlotte Hu,
Discover Magazine,
31 July 2011
Adjective
-
All of this is a vaguely long-winded way of making a simple point — the outlook for Wolves’ defence has changed dramatically over the course of this season.—
Steve Madeley,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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No code is needed to get started, as a simple click below will activate this offer.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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