reactive

adjective

Definition of reactivenext
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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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 Another, on Tuesday, came on a reactive attempt to make a play on a ball that ricocheted off of Chisholm’s glove; a rushing Lombard threw it away. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 This is a dry fabrication technique that uses a chemically reactive plasma to remove material from a substrate. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 The four samples contained mixtures of reactive dyes rather than the single dyes frequently examined in previous stripping research. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 The specific compounds responsible for the classic smoky aroma of a campfire – phenolic compounds like guaiacol and syringol – are highly reactive. — Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
  1. spontaneous
  2. mechanical
  3. automatic
  4. mechanic
  5. conditioned
  6. simple
Adjective
  • Because of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in its crystal structure, GaN heterostructures can naturally induce extremely thin sheets of mobile electrons and holes.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • With a vehicle this size, 180 hp isn't exactly a recipe for spontaneous joy.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of spontaneous
Adjective
  • This physical separation prevents signal interference and mechanical abrasion between heavy power lines, sensitive data channels, and fluid hoses.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The company said its new 50,000-metric-ton plant in Qidong, China, produced its first commercial batches of Xatryx bioTHF and bioPTMEG in August, roughly four months after reaching mechanical completion.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of mechanical
Adjective
  • While most of the vandals ripping down automatic license plate readers prefer to go incognito, an Albuquerque character named Jevon Martinez isn’t afraid to show his face.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani struck out four consecutive times for the first time this season, including in the 10th with an automatic runner at third.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of automatic
Adjective
  • Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of mechanic
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
  • 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
Definition of conditioned
Adjective
  • It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waistbands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This converts touch from a simple collision-detection mechanism into an active source of information for aerial navigation, positioning, and grasp control.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

reactivations
reactive
reacts
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Cite this Entry

“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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