interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈak-shən How to pronounce interaction (audio)
Synonyms of interactionnext
: mutual or reciprocal action or influence
interactional adjective

Examples of interaction in a Sentence

she guessed from the friendly interaction that they were close to the other parents in the organization
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.
But whether alcohol actually benefits people by facilitating social interactions is the topic of a heated national debate. Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 27 Feb. 2026 During the stop, Duque took out his phone and filmed part of his interaction with ICE agents. Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026 In the hallway during an afternoon break, two jurors could be overheard comparing their own less-than-stellar interactions with their children to an episode in which Karen pulled over on the side of the highway and told Kaley to get out of the car. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Included in the bill is a provision requiring the Police Officers Standards and Training Council to develop new curricula on interactions with people with mental illness or physical disabilities. Ct Mirror, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interaction

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interaction was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interaction. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

interaction

noun
in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən How to pronounce interaction (audio)
: the action or influence of people, groups, or things on one another
interactional
-shnəl How to pronounce interaction (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

interaction

noun
in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən How to pronounce interaction (audio)
: mutual or reciprocal action or influence
interaction of the heart and lungs
interactional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interaction

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