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 reactionary league is constantly futzing after other versions of the sport implement fun rules, or promising to address unfairness when sensational NFL playoff battles have ended without a quarterback deity such as Peyton Manning or Josh Allen touching the ball. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 That Watson hasn’t used these moments of victimhood to become reactionary is part of what seems to anger Rowling. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025 For too long, histories of the war have emphasized its leaders, men like Thomas Müntzer in Thuringia, adopted by Friedrich Engels and then by the East German regime as a revolutionary hero to rival the reactionary colossus Luther. Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025 In the past, Kaepernick’s protest and countless other incidents have prompted reactionary vows to boycott the league, along with the ritualistic burning of team jerseys and other merchandise. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 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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