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
Perry, dressed in a white robe, emotionally reacts to Groban's engagement in the video, which is displayed in the background with a news article screenshot.
—
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 May 2026
When that structure exists, the organization stops reacting and starts operating strategically.
—Shivaas Gulati, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
Joey Nickischer, a commander of the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, was on site for Rudy's rescue and told Times Union that the team was concerned the pup might react anxiously or aggressively, but Rudy was well-behaved.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Oil prices reacted immediately.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for react
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.
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 May 2026
When that structure exists, the organization stops reacting and starts operating strategically.
—Shivaas Gulati, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
Joey Nickischer, a commander of the Putnam County Technical Rescue Team, was on site for Rudy's rescue and told Times Union that the team was concerned the pup might react anxiously or aggressively, but Rudy was well-behaved.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Oil prices reacted immediately.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 12 May 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 13 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
