reactance
noun
re·ac·tance
rē-ˈak-tən(t)s 
: the part of the impedance of an alternating-current circuit that is due to capacitance or inductance or both and that is expressed in ohms
Examples of reactance in a Sentence
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The research showed that the behavior was driven by reactance, with a mix of anger and curiosity.
—
Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Research on psychological reactance shows that people do not like it when their autonomy or freedom is restricted.
—Tendayi Viki, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
This negative reaction is called psychological reactance, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Sara Sidner, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
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Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Research on psychological reactance shows that people do not like it when their autonomy or freedom is restricted.
—Tendayi Viki, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
This negative reaction is called psychological reactance, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Sara Sidner, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactance. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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reactance
noun
re·ac·tance
rē-ˈak-tən(t)s
: the part of the impedance of an alternating-current circuit that is due to capacitance or inductance or both and that is expressed in ohms
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