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
As territories’ tax breaks replace or serve to complement traditional financing resources, Passion Paris and Passion London have reacted, creating an integrated development pipeline.
—
John Hopewell, Variety, 23 June 2026
Other analysts suggested the markets were reacting to the likelihood that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates later this year.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
The net takeaway is that Warsh wants to keep markets guessing, allowing its own pricing mechanisms to react to data and handicap scenarios.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Instead of constantly reacting, teams are prepared.
—Chris Kiple, Forbes.com, 23 June 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.
John Hopewell, Variety, 23 June 2026
Other analysts suggested the markets were reacting to the likelihood that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates later this year.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
The net takeaway is that Warsh wants to keep markets guessing, allowing its own pricing mechanisms to react to data and handicap scenarios.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Instead of constantly reacting, teams are prepared.
—Chris Kiple, Forbes.com, 23 June 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 25 Jun. 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
