as in responding
to act or behave in response (as to a stimulus or influence)
it was my first touchdown, and I didn't know how to react to the cheers of the crowd
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Recent Examples of reacting
Before reacting or taking things personally, gather more information.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Starbucks representatives say its app can avoid this pitfall by reacting to feelings described or environmental cues rather than user history.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Barnes said developers are reacting to a steady stream of new residential housing laws, which favor more homes per lot.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjusting your timer schedule now — rather than reacting mid-July — means your lawn gets consistent coverage from day one of the hot season.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026
In an era when corporate policy often overrides common sense, this water park chose to understand the situation before reacting.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
In many cases, these devices are not just reacting to you.
—Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Clooney was reacting playfully in his statement to Deadline but was deadly serious in his recent public comments.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Beyond reacting to the standings, the Magic coach offered multiple injury updates after shootaround.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Starbucks representatives say its app can avoid this pitfall by reacting to feelings described or environmental cues rather than user history.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
Barnes said developers are reacting to a steady stream of new residential housing laws, which favor more homes per lot.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjusting your timer schedule now — rather than reacting mid-July — means your lawn gets consistent coverage from day one of the hot season.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026
In an era when corporate policy often overrides common sense, this water park chose to understand the situation before reacting.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
In many cases, these devices are not just reacting to you.
—Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Clooney was reacting playfully in his statement to Deadline but was deadly serious in his recent public comments.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Beyond reacting to the standings, the Magic coach offered multiple injury updates after shootaround.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reacting
responding
Verb
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One person is dead and a juvenile is in critical condition after a Dallas Fire-Rescue unit responding to an emergency call was involved in a major crash Thursday afternoon in southeast Dallas, officials said.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
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SROs have been controversial, with critics doubting on-campus law enforcement’s efficacy in responding to school shootings.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reacting. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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