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
This time, frustrated fans reacted by booing the song.
—
The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025
Everyone seemed to react positively to the news, congratulating the couple for getting such a great deal.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Residents react with prayers, anger News of the shooting prompted social media reactions ranging from sadness to outrage.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 30 Nov. 2025
Baking soda reacts when it is combined with an acid, which is why recipes with baking soda often include buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, natural cocoa powder, or other acidic ingredients.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for react
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The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025
Everyone seemed to react positively to the news, congratulating the couple for getting such a great deal.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Residents react with prayers, anger News of the shooting prompted social media reactions ranging from sadness to outrage.
—Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 30 Nov. 2025
Baking soda reacts when it is combined with an acid, which is why recipes with baking soda often include buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, natural cocoa powder, or other acidic ingredients.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
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
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