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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Recent Examples of reactive
The process, called phototoxicity, happens when light-reactive chemicals from fragrances and other substances sit on the skin and are exposed to sunlight.
—
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Why Returns Intelligence Is a Business Growth Driver Returns intelligence, when powered by AI and real-time behavioral data, allows retailers to shift from reactive to proactive.
—Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Positions eliminated include 120 stage two technical support engineers, 41 reactive support managers, and 31 fintech analysts.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
From Reaction to Prevention: A Cultural Shift The true power of breathwork may be its ability to shift wellness from reactive to proactive.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Why Returns Intelligence Is a Business Growth Driver Returns intelligence, when powered by AI and real-time behavioral data, allows retailers to shift from reactive to proactive.
—Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Positions eliminated include 120 stage two technical support engineers, 41 reactive support managers, and 31 fintech analysts.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
From Reaction to Prevention: A Cultural Shift The true power of breathwork may be its ability to shift wellness from reactive to proactive.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
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Butler never imagined Zimmerer – a typically non-spontaneous person – would drop everything to book a flight and travel more than 1,500 miles from Nebraska to be there.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Earlier in the tournament, Sinner said that their meetings now will never be quite as spontaneous as the epic five-setter here three years ago, which announced their rivalry to the world.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The money would provide for beginning mechanical removal of the algae mass in the most problematic areas and setting up test areas for the effectiveness of algicides, Miller said.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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And while ultrasound techniques can modulate the activity of neurons by delivering gentle mechanical pulses that influence how cells send signals, current systems have struggled to reach deeper areas of the brain with sufficient precision—until now.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There is no semi-automatic offside system as in La Liga.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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The system has an automatic self-cleaning function and is designed for easy, tool-free filter replacement, with filters lasting from 12 to 24 months.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Part surgeon, part mechanic — as seen sawing away at a leg in EW's exclusive Fall Movie Preview image, above — days spent filming in Victor's lab were some of the actor's favorite.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Sep. 2025
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Three men who worked at a mechanic shop near where the truck was abandoned were taken into custody but later released due to insufficient evidence.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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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The new formula is infused with a luscious blend of flower oils so that lashes feel conditioned and supple to the touch.—
Daisy Maldonado,
SELF,
13 Sep. 2022
Adjective
-
With just a few chairs, a handful of tables and a simple tent, the setting was intimate but filled with love and intention.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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And one of these, for those of us accustomed to British conventions but who follow the game in continental Europe, is the simple passage of time.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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