interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈak-shən 

: mutual or reciprocal action or influence

interactional

ˌin-tər-ˈak-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• commerce
• dealings
• intercourse
• relation

Examples of interaction in a Sentence

she guessed from the friendly interaction that they were close to the other parents in the organization

Recent Examples on the Web

Their 2020 study explained that close interactions with pets actually appeared to have a protective effect against the recurrence of C. difficile infections. —Ava Erickson, Outside Online, 29 Apr. 2025

Because magnesium carbonate and hydroxide can be used in antacids, drug interactions with methylphenidate are possible. —Lindsay Cook, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

Yeah, well, apart from the people on the plane and stuff, but the first person to have a proper interaction. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025

One expert who researches the interaction between corporations and political actors said Riabov's decision to change his company's name makes sense. —Terry Collins, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for interaction

• benefaction
• counteraction
• liquefaction
• putrefaction
• rarefaction
• satisfaction
• stupefaction
• tumefaction
• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction

Kids Definition

interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən 

: the action or influence of people, groups, or things on one another

interactional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən 

: mutual or reciprocal action or influence

interaction of the heart and lungs

interactional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective