reactionary

adjective

re·​ac·​tion·​ary rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē 

: relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction

especially : ultraconservative in politics

reactionary noun

reactionaryism

rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē-ˌi-zəm 

noun

Synonyms

• conservative
• traditional
• orthodox

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

This cycle of reactionary leadership not only stifles innovation but also erodes trust and morale within organizations. —Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Within this context, Harold, in desperate need of a friend, falls under the sway of Casey, a colleague who introduces him to the weight-lifting lifestyle and, eventually, a reactionary mindset. —Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025

In this climate of fear and misinformation, some companies are making reactionary decisions based on politics rather than sound strategy. —Essence, 9 Sep. 2025

But when his streams became more reactionary, filled with outbursts, expletives, and certified crashouts over losing levels, subscribers flocked in. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reactionary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

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