as in spontaneous
done in immediate response to something especially without thinking or planning
He realized his aggressive response to their criticisms had been reactive. The board stressed the need for a less reactive and more proactive approach to problem-solving.
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Recent Examples of reactive
While both tend to largely rely on large language models, generative AI focuses on creating content like text, images or video in response to human prompts, whereas agentic AI is autonomous and more proactive rather than reactive.
—
Ece Yildirim, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2025
Rather than take a documentarian approach to photography, which tends to be more reactive and spontaneous, Aldridge’s process can be compared to that of a film director — starting with a storyboard, then the casting and set design.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Automation: The Future of Disaster Recovery The shift toward automation in disaster recovery empowers organizations to move from reactive recovery to proactive resilience.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Prevention As The Cure The healthcare industry knows this and is shifting from reactive to preventative healthcare—from healthcare to health—rapidly, capitalizing on advances in technology that have enabled better and more accessible methods of health screening.
—Amanda Gravitis, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Ece Yildirim, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2025
Rather than take a documentarian approach to photography, which tends to be more reactive and spontaneous, Aldridge’s process can be compared to that of a film director — starting with a storyboard, then the casting and set design.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Automation: The Future of Disaster Recovery The shift toward automation in disaster recovery empowers organizations to move from reactive recovery to proactive resilience.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Prevention As The Cure The healthcare industry knows this and is shifting from reactive to preventative healthcare—from healthcare to health—rapidly, capitalizing on advances in technology that have enabled better and more accessible methods of health screening.
—Amanda Gravitis, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactive
Adjective
-
Few inspire spontaneous ovations in public places, like the one U.S. Rep. John Larson received last month at Bradley airport.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
5 Apr. 2025
-
The Women’s March was highly organized and concentrated, while the protests in June 2020 were largely spontaneous and spread out.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And if your dishwasher rattles even on an empty load, this does indicate mechanical problems.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
25 Jan. 2025
-
With a magnesium body wrapped around Chevy’s 283-cubic-inch V-8, the experimental machine was entered in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring but only completed 23 laps before mechanical issues forced its exit.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Many of these duties are automatic, such as confidentiality between professionals (e.g. doctors, lawyers and accountant and their clients).—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Request an automatic extension while filing through IRS Free File. File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return by mail, through an e-filing option or with a tax professional.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In the footage, a large coastal carpet python rests on a mechanic shop's floor.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
-
His current mechanic shop is basically a retirement hobby, something to pass the time.—
Zach Helfand,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
As the protagonist Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1968), Duane Jones unveiled a distinct facet of pre-conditioned Black martyrdom.—
Malik Peay,
Rolling Stone,
7 Feb. 2023
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Is the show of regret a conditioned response associated with receiving a less severe punishment?—
Charlotte Hu,
Discover Magazine,
31 July 2011
Adjective
-
That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Mistyping social security numbers is one of the simplest, yet most significant mistakes people make on their returns, according to TurboTax CPA and tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactive. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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