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
The facility at 6411 Oak Canyon was slated to close at the end of 2025, but city leaders changed plans recently and area residents can continue to visit the site to dispose of paint cans, batteries and anything that contains corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients.
—
Victoria Le, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025
This rich, retinol-alternative formula is ideal for dry or reactive skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2025
Unfortunately, most health care approaches to the menopause transition are reactive.
—Anna Barton Bradley, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
Iran’s defensive and reactive measures, rather than reducing threats, have intensified securitized perceptions of Iran and helped advance the narrative that Tehran is dangerous.
—Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2025
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Victoria Le, Oc Register, 31 Dec. 2025
This rich, retinol-alternative formula is ideal for dry or reactive skin.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2025
Unfortunately, most health care approaches to the menopause transition are reactive.
—Anna Barton Bradley, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
Iran’s defensive and reactive measures, rather than reducing threats, have intensified securitized perceptions of Iran and helped advance the narrative that Tehran is dangerous.
—Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactive. Accessed 5 Jan. 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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