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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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
By harnessing data analytics and actionable insights, organizations can transition from reactive to proactive strategies, enabling them to anticipate challenges and seize emerging opportunities effectively.
—
Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025
Jonah’s insights highlight the evolution of the board’s role in modern governance, moving from a reactive stance to one of partnership and mutual investment and codependency.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Well, through a series of poor offseason decisions by general manager Joe Douglas, a rash of reactive decisions from owner Woody Johnson — namely firing Robert Saleh after Week 5 — and a team that by the end of the year has not appeared to care about much, other than getting to the finish line.
—Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
The ambient lights here that offer a reactive mode that changes the lights to the beat of the audio in your space have microphones for this function to work.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reactive 
Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025
Jonah’s insights highlight the evolution of the board’s role in modern governance, moving from a reactive stance to one of partnership and mutual investment and codependency.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Well, through a series of poor offseason decisions by general manager Joe Douglas, a rash of reactive decisions from owner Woody Johnson — namely firing Robert Saleh after Week 5 — and a team that by the end of the year has not appeared to care about much, other than getting to the finish line.
—Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
The ambient lights here that offer a reactive mode that changes the lights to the beat of the audio in your space have microphones for this function to work.
—Simon Hill, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
The spontaneous TikTok video has struck a chord with many viewers on the platform who weighed in on how the brand styled its stores in the past.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
-
There are benefits to being in the same space—like brainstorming in real-time, spontaneous problem-solving, and just reconnecting as a team.Lance Eliot, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Will a mechanical dispenser be any more precise than standard teaspoons?Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
-
There is something about mechanical complexity, even for its own sake, that just makes some collectors swoon, and just about no complications is as superfluous today as the tourbillon.Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The software utilizes a person’s Expected Movement Record and other data sources—such as visa data, profiles, in-country events, and API/PNR data—to issue automatic risk assessment scores for each traveler.Caitlin Chandler, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025
-
Update any automatic payments with your new card number.Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Harroun installed it with a bracket above the dashboard rather than have a mechanic ride in the race with him, as was the custom of the day.George Petras, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024
-
When Part 4 was released in August 2023, mechanic Bennie was losing his garage.Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Apr. 2024
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
-
Is the show of regret a conditioned response associated with receiving a less severe punishment?Charlotte Hu, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2011
Adjective
-
My top answer is a simple and no-brainer recommendation: Wash your hands with soap and water.Amanda Schupak, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2025
-
Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers These iconic Stan Smith sneakers offer form and function thanks to their simple design, soft leather material (no blisters here!), and roomy fit.Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share