responsive
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for responsive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Quick to react or reply; reacting readily to something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use responsive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French responsif, ultimately from Latin respondere, "to respond."
Full origin of responsive →Frequently asked questions
What does “responsive” mean?
The word “responsive” means quick to react or reply; reacting readily to something. In plain terms, quick to react — to people, situations, or in web design, to different screen sizes.
How do you pronounce “responsive”?
“Responsive” is pronounced rih-SPON-sihv (/ɹɪˈspɑn.sɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “responsive” in a sentence?
Here is “responsive” used in a sentence: “The new customer service team is very responsive.”
What is the opposite of “responsive”?
The opposite of “responsive” — its antonyms — are nonresponsive and unresponsive.
What part of speech is “responsive”?
“Responsive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “responsive” come from?
The word “responsive” comes from Latin. From Middle French responsif, ultimately from Latin respondere, "to respond.".
Is “responsive” a common word?
“Responsive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “responsive” have?
“Responsive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: quick to react or reply; reacting readily to something.
What is the difference between responsive and reactive design?
Responsive design automatically adjusts a webpage's layout to fit different screen sizes, while reactive is a broader term about reacting readily to input or change. In web design, "responsive" specifically describes layouts that resize and rearrange content for phones, tablets, and desktops, whereas "reactive" more often describes real-time interactivity or code that updates instantly when data changes.
What makes a website responsive?
A responsive website uses flexible layouts, images, and CSS rules that automatically adjust to fit the screen size being used, whether a phone, tablet, or desktop. This means the same site reflows its content without needing a separate version for each device.
Is responsive a compliment when describing a person?
Yes, calling a person responsive is generally positive, since it means they are quick to react or reply and pay attention to what others need. It is commonly used to praise good customer service, communication, or leadership.