reactionary

adjective

re·​ac·​tion·​ary rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce reactionary (audio)
: relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction
especially : ultraconservative in politics
reactionary noun
reactionaryism noun

Examples of reactionary in a Sentence

reactionary guardians of proper English usage invariably regard every new coinage that comes along as a nonword
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The team leaders and coaches have cautioned against being reactionary, encouraging small adjustments rather than major ones. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025 The new title exemplifies one of Perry’s favorite moves, which is to present reactionary conservatism as simple common sense. Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 Generally speaking, the Mets’ front office tries to avoid making reactionary decisions. Will Sammon, New York Times, 22 June 2025 This collective assessment enables developing response protocols with clear accountabilities, empowering decisive action rather than reactionary scrambling when issues arise. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reactionary

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reactionary was in 1815

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Cite this Entry

“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactionary. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

reactionary

1 of 2 adjective
re·​ac·​tion·​ary
rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē
: of, relating to, or favoring old-fashioned political or social ideas

reactionary

2 of 2 noun
plural reactionaries
: a reactionary person

More from Merriam-Webster on reactionary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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