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
Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 2025
That moviegoers reacted with a shrug at the box office is no reflection on Sweeney, who is unquestionably the best thing about this promising but ultimately unsatisfying movie.
—Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
Just a few days ago, a veteran went off-script during the service attended by both King and Queen, making the two of them react visibly.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2025
Loki actor Tom Hiddleston reacted to a reference to his ex, pop icon Taylor Swift, during a Thursday interview alongside his Life of Chuck costar Karen Gillan.
—EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for react
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 2025
That moviegoers reacted with a shrug at the box office is no reflection on Sweeney, who is unquestionably the best thing about this promising but ultimately unsatisfying movie.
—Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
Just a few days ago, a veteran went off-script during the service attended by both King and Queen, making the two of them react visibly.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2025
Loki actor Tom Hiddleston reacted to a reference to his ex, pop icon Taylor Swift, during a Thursday interview alongside his Life of Chuck costar Karen Gillan.
—EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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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