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 veteran
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
Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Sources back what Doar is saying, telling WCCO the response from other agents appears reactionary.
—Jennifer Mayerle, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 25 Dec. 2025
Yes, the movie’s reactionaries are ridiculous, never more so than when Penn’s comic-book antagonist is onscreen.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Adjective
These reactionary religious forces led a decades-long campaign against women’s rights and gay rights that helped turn the Republican Party against democracy itself.
—Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026
Sources back what Doar is saying, telling WCCO the response from other agents appears reactionary.
—Jennifer Mayerle, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
In middle age, some sports fans become reactionaries.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 25 Dec. 2025
Yes, the movie’s reactionaries are ridiculous, never more so than when Penn’s comic-book antagonist is onscreen.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionary
Adjective
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Takaichi is a long-time conservative, closely aligned with nationalist and traditionalist causes.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The 8th Circuit has a generally conservative ideological makeup, as the majority of its judges were appointed by Republican presidents.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Stafford, a 17-year veteran, won the award by finishing ahead of New England quarterback Drake Maye in balloting by a panel of 50 journalists who regularly cover the NFL.—
Gary Klein,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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The Seahawks ranked third in total pressures and seventh in sacks this season, thanks to a front seven that includes a rotating set of outside linebackers in veterans DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu and younger pass rushers Derick Hall and Boye Mafe.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While a tweed suit and ruffle blouse can feel a little stuffy and traditional, these eye-catching, glittering gold necklaces add a welcome touch of shine to give this look a fresh feel.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
3 Feb. 2026
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The Rose Bowl will remain a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the next two seasons — and likely the four after that — holding down its traditional spot as the afternoon anchor of the New Year’s Day lineup.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fitness issues for Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto, as well as Estevao being freshly back from compassionate leave, left Rosenior with his orthodox wing options severely depleted.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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The production company’s development slate is highlighted by the action-drama Barney Ross, a story about the titular orthodox rabbinical student who, after witnessing the murder of his rabbi father, fell in with a young Al Capone and Jack Ruby.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactionary. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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