reacted; reacting; reacts
1
: to exert a reciprocal or counteracting force or influence
—often used with on or upon
2
: to change in response to a stimulus
3
: to act in opposition to a force or influence
—usually used with against
4
: to move or tend in a reverse direction
5
: to undergo chemical reaction
: to cause to react
Examples of react in a Sentence
When I told her what happened, she reacted with anger.
I didn't expect him to react that way.
The firefighters reacted quickly when they heard the alarm.
He reacted badly to the drug.
Recent Examples on the Web
These nanosheets have a very high surface area and strong catalytic properties, helping ethanol molecules react more quickly on the sensor surface.
—
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
The mom has something to say, on the condition that the kids do not react.
—Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
Platforms evade responsibility by invoking Section 230 and the language of free speech, while in practice exercising enormous editorial power over what the public sees, believes and reacts to.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Simbi Khali played Nina Campbell, the sharp-witted assistant who often reacted to the Solomons’ antics with amused disbelief.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for react
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Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
The mom has something to say, on the condition that the kids do not react.
—Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
Platforms evade responsibility by invoking Section 230 and the language of free speech, while in practice exercising enormous editorial power over what the public sees, believes and reacts to.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Simbi Khali played Nina Campbell, the sharp-witted assistant who often reacted to the Solomons’ antics with amused disbelief.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
react
verb
re·act
rē-ˈakt 
1
: to act or behave in response (as to stimulation or an influence)
the colonists reacted to the tax by boycotting tea
2
: to oppose a force or influence
—usually used with against
reacted against their unfair treatment
3
: to go through or cause to go through a chemical reaction
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