as in conservative
tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions
reactionary guardians of proper English usage invariably regard every new coinage that comes along as a nonword
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in rightist
a person whose political beliefs are centered on tradition and keeping things the way they are
reactionaries tried to stop the passage of the legislation extending civil rights
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fogey
a person with old-fashioned ideas
a reactionary in the nation's ongoing culture war, she seems to believe that watching any TV at all will rot your brain
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reactionary
EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Electra Glide in Blue failed to land with audiences at the time, with critics dismissing it as a reactionary alternative to Easy Rider.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025
Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Adjective
She's seen some of the articles (like this one from Vulture or this one from the Los Angeles Times) advocating for an Amy Madigan Oscar nomination, as well as some of the other bits and bobs, like the reactionary memes going around the internet.
—EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Electra Glide in Blue failed to land with audiences at the time, with critics dismissing it as a reactionary alternative to Easy Rider.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
Khomeini was simultaneously the agent of Communists and of reactionaries, the editorial charged.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionary
Adjective
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While some among Democrats cast him as the party’s national leader and a natural choice for their 2028 nominee, conservative critics point to his past controversies, including other pay-for-play stories.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
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After working as a speechwriter in former President Ronald Reagan's administration, Ingraham pursued a law degree and became a conservative media darling.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This more traditional system is where Tottenham have ended up.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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At the same time, identity categories have become more fluid, and traditional sources of authority — religion, education, government — are more likely to be contested or distrusted.—
Christopher P. Scheitle,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Leading nominee Lady Gaga, Latin Icon Award recipient Ricky Martin and viral video breakouts Sombr and Conan Gray showcased MTV's commitment to balancing veterans and upstarts during the 2025 VMAs.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
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Thomas is a former NBA lottery pick and 13-year veteran and current basketball coach at a high school just up the road, Paramus Catholic, who had just shared a hearty handshake and hug with the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And even though the military is short of manpower, the government refuses to draft ultra-orthodox men, whose religious political parties are key to the Netanyahu coalition.—
Ron Scherf,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
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Traditional music and Kolo dancing by Prazna Flasa Tambura, the Ansambl Sokoli, the Seoske Dame singers, and DJ Dex, with a presentation from Parish Priest, Father Milos Zivkovic on orthodox religious traditions and specialty vendors with music, books, jewelry, and icons for sale.—
Gina Grillo,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactionary. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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