How to Use proactive in a Sentence

proactive

adjective
  • A survey was given out to customers so that the company could take proactive steps to improve their service.
  • The city is taking a proactive approach to fighting crime by hiring more police officers.
  • Elizalde said the best way to keep students and staff safe is to be proactive.
    — Talia Richman, Dallas News, 14 Aug. 2023
  • To seize the day, to lament, to mourn, to be nostalgic, to be proactive.
    — Dan Snierson, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2022
  • Be proactive near the 10th, when your ruler, Jupiter, has your back, and dare to dream and follow through near the 12th.
    — Katharine Merlin, Town & Country, 1 Aug. 2023
  • Go and find singers and be proactive, and make good music.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2023
  • The County’s response to growth has not been proactive.
    — Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024
  • Eilish is aware of this part of her ecosystem too and is proactive about it.
    — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Discuss how to screen for symptoms, and proactive steps to take.
    — Stephanie Wolf, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2022
  • That said, the Falcons would likely be proactive in moving Cousins to not have that cap hit on the books.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025
  • Canales, the Texas state lawmaker, wants the state to be proactive instead.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2022
  • Even so, many in Ukraine feel the U.S. should be more proactive rather than reactive.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2022
  • Still, Buettner and Vetrone urged people to be proactive as the sun starts shining.
    — Christian Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2023
  • Easley said Citizens could see the writing on the wall, and wanted to be proactive.
    — Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Apr. 2024
  • He’s been more proactive about people using that name for him of late.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 June 2025
  • Guinn said the ordinance will help the county be more proactive.
    — Taylor Croft, ajc, 2 Sep. 2022
  • Rather than waiting to see how things might change, take a proactive approach.
    — Jack Giardino, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025
  • All of these attacks mean automakers have to take a proactive stance in this fight.
    — Sebastian Blanco, Car and Driver, 4 Sep. 2021
  • The broadcaster is not on the hook to be proactive here, but rather reactive.
    — Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Still, the move appears to be proactive rather than a response to a specific threat.
    — Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024
  • Instead of waiting around to get in on the action, take a proactive approach.
    — cleveland, 30 Dec. 2022
  • So how can women get proactive about this normal phase of life?
    — Christine Koh, CNN, 25 June 2021
  • Nearly 1 in 3 said vendors should be more proactive in leading the way.
    — Leanne Italie, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 May 2022
  • Here’s how to be proactive about protecting your PC from viruses down the road.
    — Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
  • If the Big Ten was proactive, maybe Texas and Oklahoma would be looking north.
    — Doug Lesmerises, cleveland, 23 July 2021
  • Anybody can be proactive about their mental health and their mind.
    — Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Simply put, take a proactive role in your credit health.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 June 2021
  • Stop fighting with your husband, become proactive and get the darn door fixed.
    — Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2024
  • Being proactive now will benefit you, your wife and your kids later down the road.
    — Amy Wagner, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • Not Ready: Being proactive will really help you and Betty here.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 3 July 2025

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: