react

verb

re·​act rē-ˈakt How to pronounce react (audio)
reacted; reacting; reacts

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

: 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
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.
Instead of reacting out of habit, curious individuals ask questions like What is the most important task right now? Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Manager Alex Cora reacts after a double play in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 23, 2025 in Anaheim, California. Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 In a statement to Variety, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reacted to the Supreme Court news, first reported by Reuters. Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 30 June 2025 Investors will only have half a day to react: U.S. markets close early Thursday and are dark Friday. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for react

Word History

Etymology

New Latin reactus, past participle of reagere, from Latin re- + agere to act — more at agent

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of react was in 1644

Cite this Entry

“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

react

verb
re·​act rē-ˈakt How to pronounce react (audio)
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

Medical Definition

react

intransitive verb
re·​act rē-ˈakt How to pronounce react (audio)
1
: to respond to a stimulus
2
: to undergo chemical reaction

transitive verb

: to cause to react

More from Merriam-Webster on react

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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