Definition of reactionnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 While security awareness training is mandatory in many organizations, such practices should be designed to test employee reactions under pressure. — Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Trump’s strong reactions may relate to his recent banning of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House — a rash action that was stopped by a federal judge last week. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 Seeing that thrilled reaction is one of the highlights for White. — Connie Ogle october 1, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Fusion reaction milestone Most fusion projects, including the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, focus on D-T fusion because it can be achieved under less demanding conditions than alternative fuel cycles. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reaction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reaction
Noun
  • Maybe that is a fitting response, after all, to the things that haunt us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • During a meeting with French bishops on Sunday morning, Leo praised their response to victims and urged them to continue.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The stunning failure in Tennessee's execution chamber on Wednesday has left both sides of the death penalty debate demanding answers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • One natural answer is proportional representation of the town’s people.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reaction. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on reaction

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!