reductive

adjective

re·​duc·​tive ri-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce reductive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, causing, or involving reduction
2
: of or relating to reductionism : reductionistic
reductively adverb
reductiveness noun

Examples of reductive in a Sentence

a reductive interpretation of the theory
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
From an athlete’s point of view, Browne sees that focus as both reductive and misleading. — Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 20 May 2026 Sani works with the Sémillon in a very reductive style, limiting its exposure to oxygen in the winemaking process. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 14 June 2026 There’s nothing simple or reductive about the emotional throughlines the documentary traces. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 Critics, some eminent historians among them, were swift to note that Hannah-Jones’s history was reductive and, in places, simply wrong. — Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reductive

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reductive was in 1633

Rhymes for reductive

See All Rhymes for reductive

Browse Nearby Words

reduction roll
reductive
reductone
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Cite this Entry

“Reductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reductive. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

reductive

adjective
re·​duc·​tive ri-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce reductive (audio)
: of, relating to, causing, or involving reduction
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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