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
Some people focus on preventive or proactive medicine and others will only focus on reactive and ease.
—
Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2024
Most are far too strong for my reactive, acne-prone skin.
—Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 6 Aug. 2024
These reactive molecules are produced by cell metabolism and can damage cells if antioxidants don't counter them.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
One key factor in aging may be the accumulation of damaging substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS).5
Carotenoids, fat-soluble pigments in carrots and tomatoes, have been linked to anti-aging effects.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for reactive 
Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2024
Most are far too strong for my reactive, acne-prone skin.
—Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 6 Aug. 2024
These reactive molecules are produced by cell metabolism and can damage cells if antioxidants don't counter them.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
One key factor in aging may be the accumulation of damaging substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS).5
Carotenoids, fat-soluble pigments in carrots and tomatoes, have been linked to anti-aging effects.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for reactive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near reactive
Cite this Entry
“Reactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactive. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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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