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
Like a corporate fire drill, this preparation meant that when real issues arose, our response was instinctive rather than reactive.
—
Sidharth Ramsinghaney, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The broadcaster is not on the hook to be proactive here, but rather reactive.
—Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
As seen with elections in the past, and the January 6th insurrection, the American public often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state.
—Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
Many more likely live near a plant with reactive chemicals.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reactive 
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Sidharth Ramsinghaney, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The broadcaster is not on the hook to be proactive here, but rather reactive.
—Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
As seen with elections in the past, and the January 6th insurrection, the American public often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state.
—Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
Many more likely live near a plant with reactive chemicals.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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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