reactive
adjective
re·ac·tive
rē-ˈak-tiv 
2
a
: readily responsive to a stimulus
b
: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset
reactive depression
reactively
adverb
reactiveness
noun
Examples of reactive in a Sentence
The government's response to the problem was reactive rather than proactive.
Recent Examples on the Web
Embed Change Management Into Daily Operations Organizations must shift from reactive change management to proactive, integrated strategies.
—
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025
Given the importance that Iraola places on a reactive defensive shape, his players always prepared to jump up in support of team-mates who have pushed on ahead, Soler’s intuition, speed and concentration clearly fit the bill.
—Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
The cryptocurrency market has grown highly reactive to President Trump’s actions, with many of his moves triggering immediate responses.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025
In that short time, your brain gets a chance to cool down, shift out of a reactive mode, and engage with your partner in a more thoughtful and loving way.
—Jourdan Travers, Contributor, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reactive 
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Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025
Given the importance that Iraola places on a reactive defensive shape, his players always prepared to jump up in support of team-mates who have pushed on ahead, Soler’s intuition, speed and concentration clearly fit the bill.
—Thom Harris, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
The cryptocurrency market has grown highly reactive to President Trump’s actions, with many of his moves triggering immediate responses.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025
In that short time, your brain gets a chance to cool down, shift out of a reactive mode, and engage with your partner in a more thoughtful and loving way.
—Jourdan Travers, Contributor, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reactive
Dictionary Entries Near reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactive. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reactive
adjective
re·ac·tive
rē-ˈak-tiv
1
: of or relating to reaction
2
: reacting or tending to react
Medical Definition
reactive
adjective
re·ac·tive
rē-ˈak-tiv
1
2
a
: readily responsive to a stimulus
the skin of the geriatric is less reactive than that of younger persons—Louis Tuft
Louis Tuft
b
: occurring as a result of stress or emotional upset especially from factors outside the organism
reactive depression
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