reactionary

adjective

re·​ac·​tion·​ary rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē 

: relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction

especially : ultraconservative in politics

reactionary noun

reactionaryism

rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē-ˌi-zəm 

noun

Synonyms of reactionary

• conservative
• traditional
• orthodox

Examples of reactionary in a Sentence

reactionary guardians of proper English usage invariably regard every new coinage that comes along as a nonword

Recent Examples on the Web

The recent fatal accident at LaGuardia International Airport in New York highlighted how reactionary the aviation safety system can be. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 May 2026

The Emmys have become increasingly reactionary to conversation and can only focus on one thing at a time. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 May 2026

Nostalgia isn’t necessarily reactionary in the right-wing sense. —Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026

The Louisiana decision, written by the arch-reactionary Justice Samuel Alito, is a diabolical sequel to the court’s ruling seven years ago that the federal judiciary is incapable of judging partisan political gerrymanders. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reactionary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

reactionary

1 of 2 adjective

re·​ac·​tion·​ary

rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē

: of, relating to, or favoring old-fashioned political or social ideas

reactionary

2 of 2 noun

plural reactionaries

: a reactionary person