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
When high-voltage pulses are applied within the reactor, the gas is also converted to plasma, producing highly reactive fragments that quickly form methanol. —
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 For investors, that reliance on a narrow set of supply sources and end uses can make palladium more reactive to geopolitical risk and shifts in auto production. —Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 Arvind showed wool blends and dye solutions including new yellow and red reactive dye. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026 Above 600 tends to trap heat and compromise airflow — the opposite of what reactive skin needs. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 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.
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 For investors, that reliance on a narrow set of supply sources and end uses can make palladium more reactive to geopolitical risk and shifts in auto production. —Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026 Arvind showed wool blends and dye solutions including new yellow and red reactive dye. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026 Above 600 tends to trap heat and compromise airflow — the opposite of what reactive skin needs. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/reactive. Accessed 26 Apr. 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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