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
Here on Earth, there’s a whole pipeline for identifying which components need to be replaced or repaired and when, with continuous monitoring transforming maintenance from a reactive endeavor to a predictive one.
—
Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
No one wants these things to happen, but the vast majority of reactions to them are reactive rather than proactive.
—William Jones, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Responsible planning now helps avoid reactive spending later and positions Boca Raton to remain competitive, efficient and well-managed for years to come.
—Troy McLellan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Green tea is another classic, offering antioxidant and calming benefits, especially for reactive or oily scalps.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
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Big Think, 24 Feb. 2026
No one wants these things to happen, but the vast majority of reactions to them are reactive rather than proactive.
—William Jones, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Responsible planning now helps avoid reactive spending later and positions Boca Raton to remain competitive, efficient and well-managed for years to come.
—Troy McLellan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Green tea is another classic, offering antioxidant and calming benefits, especially for reactive or oily scalps.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactive. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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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