as in response
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior
we were startled by her extreme reaction to being jilted by her boyfriend
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Recent Examples of reaction
Among the defense community, the reaction to the Quantico speeches was an extended eye roll.
—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Their shocked reaction doesn’t stop Hersh’s mother.
—Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Appropriately, the biggest reactions of the whole night are to lost favorite lyrics.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Peterson doubled down on her version of events and shared her reaction to Grande's apology.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Their shocked reaction doesn’t stop Hersh’s mother.
—Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Appropriately, the biggest reactions of the whole night are to lost favorite lyrics.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Peterson doubled down on her version of events and shared her reaction to Grande's apology.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reaction
Noun
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But what a response — a performance full of waspish pressing, muscular defending and precise, efficient counters.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes were in the midst of a gritty response powered by Xavier Worthy and Isiah Pacheco grinding for tough yards before disaster struck at the goal line.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But as the months pass without an answer from the CBP Home program, Chicago doesn’t feel safe, either.—
Melissa Sanchez,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
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By the film’s final baffling scene, which sees Alma and Maggie reunite after a five-year time jump, the audience is left in the frustrating place of having more questions than answers.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reaction. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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