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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reactive
In the upcoming days, Alessia's blood will be removed and replaced in an exchange transfusion, which will ensure that her body is not too reactive to the high-stress preparation treatment ahead.
—
Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Solutions To Overcome Cloud Data Security Challenges To tackle the challenges in cloud data security, organizations need to shift from reactive to proactive strategies.
—Anshu Bansal, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
This multitasking formula effectively targets skin concerns while remaining gentle enough for those with reactive or delicate skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Jan. 2025
Sulfur can store a lot more lithium but is problematically reactive in batteries.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reactive 
Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Solutions To Overcome Cloud Data Security Challenges To tackle the challenges in cloud data security, organizations need to shift from reactive to proactive strategies.
—Anshu Bansal, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
This multitasking formula effectively targets skin concerns while remaining gentle enough for those with reactive or delicate skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Jan. 2025
Sulfur can store a lot more lithium but is problematically reactive in batteries.
—Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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There’s certainly a spirit of lively, spontaneous community in the film’s ensemble of screen newcomers, all cast from the region and fluent in its distinctive Henan dialect, who collectively contribute a vital air of careworn, lived-in human texture to proceedings.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2025
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Luna will also meet with electric Uranus in an exhilarating trine, shaking things up with a spontaneous trip or a philosophical conversation that sparks a new romantic connection.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As the final stage began, Austin Hill experienced a mechanical issue with leaking fluid.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
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In 2023, more than 200 passengers were stuck at a military base in remote Canada for over 21 hours after a Delta flight traveling from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan, experienced a mechanical issue and needed to make an emergency landing.—
Kris Van Cleave,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Cruz, who was among a group of lawmakers briefed on the collision by federal authorities, said the Black Hawk helicopter had switched off its automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast sometime prior to the Jan. 29 crash.—
Christopher Cann,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
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Mirroring of intransitive actions, also called automatic imitation, can be measured with what’s called a stimulus-response-compatibility (SRC) test.—
Ashley Belanger,
Ars Technica,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
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When Part 4 was released in August 2023, mechanic Bennie was losing his garage.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
The Indianapolis Star,
17 Apr. 2024
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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Is the show of regret a conditioned response associated with receiving a less severe punishment?—
Charlotte Hu,
Discover Magazine,
31 July 2011
Adjective
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Styled by Dani Levi, Kardashian wore a simple floor-length bodycon gown from Balenciaga Couture.—
Mikelle Street,
WWD,
17 Feb. 2025
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Its simple style can be dressed up with your best evening wear or paired with casual outfits to be your next wardrobe staple.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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