reactionary

adjective

re·​ac·​tion·​ary rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce reactionary (audio)
Synonyms of reactionarynext
: relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction
especially : ultraconservative in politics
reactionary noun
reactionaryism
rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce reactionary (audio)
noun

Synonyms of reactionary

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Examples of reactionary in a Sentence

reactionary guardians of proper English usage invariably regard every new coinage that comes along as a nonword
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sadly, there is a large and growing audience for this reactionary analysis. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 Public health cannot operate as a reactionary system that receives attention only during emergencies. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026 This included one of their players poking a finger into the ear of the Belgian penalty-spot protector Diego Moreira, and responding to the reactionary elbow to the tummy by going down, and staying down, on top of the penalty mark. — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 15 July 2026 The internet’s reactionary machinery is churning at full force after Graham’s sudden death and Mitch McConnell’s illness. — Olivia George, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reactionary

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reactionary was in 1815

Rhymes for reactionary

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Browse Nearby Words

reactionarist
reactionary
reactionaryism
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Cite this Entry

“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactionary. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reactionary

1 of 2 adjective
re·​ac·​tion·​ary
rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē
: of, relating to, or favoring old-fashioned political or social ideas

reactionary

2 of 2 noun
plural reactionaries
: a reactionary person

More from Merriam-Webster on reactionary

Nglish: Translation of reactionary for Spanish Speakers

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