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
Researchers also created a safe and scalable method for recycling highly reactive lithium-metal anodes.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025
Against Bayern, the problem was being reactive rather than proactive.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
The goal is to evolve from a reactive posture to one of true business resilience, where holistic security is seen as a unified, board-level imperative in which companies take several proactive measures.
—Mike Hodgkinson, Big Think, 22 Sep. 2025
And for those who want to experience some local art, guests can check out Art in the Dark, a UV-reactive street art and interactive blacklight exhibit.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
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.
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025
Against Bayern, the problem was being reactive rather than proactive.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
The goal is to evolve from a reactive posture to one of true business resilience, where holistic security is seen as a unified, board-level imperative in which companies take several proactive measures.
—Mike Hodgkinson, Big Think, 22 Sep. 2025
And for those who want to experience some local art, guests can check out Art in the Dark, a UV-reactive street art and interactive blacklight exhibit.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share