as in response
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior
we were startled by her extreme reaction to being jilted by her boyfriend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of reaction
The crash has drawn a range of reactions — from conspiracy theories that suggest a government plot to sicken people to serious responses from people who oppose experimenting on animals.
—
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Needless to say, internet users can’t cope with the dog’s wholly unimpressed reaction.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The reaction wasn’t completely unexpected, though the timing was ironic, said the 34-year-old artist.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
For the latter, Brewer read up on the reaction to Chappelle's jokes about the LGBTQ community, specifically transgender people.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Needless to say, internet users can’t cope with the dog’s wholly unimpressed reaction.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The reaction wasn’t completely unexpected, though the timing was ironic, said the 34-year-old artist.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
For the latter, Brewer read up on the reaction to Chappelle's jokes about the LGBTQ community, specifically transgender people.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reaction
Noun
-
Meanwhile, Simmons has gone on the attack in response to allegations against him.—
Victoria Bekiempis,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The Cincinnati Health Department, Hamilton County Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health are conducting additional water tests at Christ Hospital’s main campus in response to the two cases.—
Mary LeBus,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Even if Hereditary eventually provides clear answers, the implications linger with the force of undisputed classics like The Exorcist or Rosemary's Baby.—
Dennis Perkins,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
-
But there was no satisfying answer to the problem of the art.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reaction. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share