interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈak-shən 

: mutual or reciprocal action or influence

interactional

ˌin-tər-ˈak-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• relation
• intercourse
• dealings

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

The judge’s ruling says the defense suggested four possible alternate perpetrators of the murders, each of whom had some connection to or interaction with the victims in the days before they were fatally stabbed. —Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 28 June 2025

The officers’ interaction with Joseph P. Gerber quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire on Gateway Boulevard. —Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

The entire interaction is full of the type of banter and playfulness that only comes with familiarity. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 28 June 2025

Since social interaction enlivens the two of you, start planning double dates with other couples and friends. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 28 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for interaction

• benefaction
• counteraction
• liquefaction
• putrefaction
• rarefaction
• satisfaction
• stupefaction
• tumefaction
• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction

Kids Definition

interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən 

: the action or influence of people, groups, or things on one another

interactional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən 

: mutual or reciprocal action or influence

interaction of the heart and lungs

interactional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective