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
Example 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
Madrid tried to be more front-footed and reactive in the Supercopa final a couple of months later, wary of not giving Barca’s deeper midfielders too much time on the ball or letting players drift in behind, as above.
—
Thom Harris, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Unlike its largely reactive approach during Trump’s first term, however, this time around Beijing will have not only a tactical response but also a bigger strategy.
—Yun Sun, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Thom Harris, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Unlike its largely reactive approach during Trump’s first term, however, this time around Beijing will have not only a tactical response but also a bigger strategy.
—Yun Sun, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Creates opportunities for mentorship and career development through spontaneous interactions.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Those days of spontaneous travel and memorable experiences don't have to be over.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
When first announced in 2011, the Aston Martin Cygnet piqued global interest: a tiny sub 845kg (curb weight) hatchback with Aston mechanical gubbins.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
The concept is similar to reflectors on a runway that help guide landing airplanes, and the LRA can operate without the need for power or mechanical control.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Not all employees have an automatic right to appeal.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
18 Feb. 2025
-
If passed, Maryland can use automatic money returns for claims under $5,000.—
Scott Taylor,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 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
-
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
-
Yellow is the simplest, and purple is the most difficult.—
New York Times Games,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share