1
as in conservatives
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fogeys
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 reactionaries
Khomeini was simultaneously the agent of Communists and of reactionaries, the editorial charged.
—
Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionaries
Noun
-
The owner of Butterworth’s, the hangout spot for young conservatives on Capitol Hill, agrees that crime is a major problem not only for businesses but for the public’s safety.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Following intense backlash from conservatives, the graphic was removed, and the museum issued an apology.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As this beat writer has previously pointed out, Evero’s history has been partial to playing veterans early on in a season.—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Four people will testify at the hearing, including three military veterans and one journalist.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactionaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactionaries. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share