REACTION Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

reaction

noun

rē-ˈak-shən

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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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of reaction Most honest reaction Chloé Zhao (center) accepts the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Drama. —

Melissa Locker, Time, 12 Jan. 2026 Players like quarterback Drake Maye, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and left tackle Will Campbell drew huge reactions from the crowd before Sunday’s game. —

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026 Catch up on all of the reactions from Foxboro. —

Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 12 Jan. 2026 Iran had no direct reaction to Trump’s comments, which came after the foreign minister of Oman — long an interlocutor between Washington and Tehran — traveled to Iran this weekend. —

Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reaction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reaction

Noun

The response has been overwhelmingly positive.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
As with nationwide demonstrations in 2017, 2019, and 2022, the current unrest appears to have erupted spontaneously in response to government actions.

— Karl Vick, Time, 13 Jan. 2026