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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Recent Examples of reaction
Watching a horror movie can produce the effect, though Mendes pointed out in an email that horror tends to unfold at a more extreme pace, causing reactions infrequently experienced by audiences.
—
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 July 2025
Those who are allergic to mango and cashew nuts may also have a reaction to papaya.19
Papaya is a healthy fruit that contains fiber, vitamins, and nutrients.
—Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
The reaction was so theatrical, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin delivered commentary from the stage.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
As summer at the box office heats up, MCU fans are sharing their first reactions to The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 July 2025
Those who are allergic to mango and cashew nuts may also have a reaction to papaya.19
Papaya is a healthy fruit that contains fiber, vitamins, and nutrients.
—Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
The reaction was so theatrical, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin delivered commentary from the stage.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
As summer at the box office heats up, MCU fans are sharing their first reactions to The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reaction
Noun
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The area is allegedly under lockdown as a massive NYPD response continues.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
29 July 2025
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In response to that, Gov. Katie Hobbs and U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., called on the U.S. Interior Department to investigate how the fire was managed.—
Brandon Loomis,
AZCentral.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
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All, in legally binding answers, said no. Council unanimously approved an amendment on Thursday that requires an annual report on the implementation of the new code requirements.—
Ella McCarthy,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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If a student tries to evade this process and just asks for the answer, the AI will resist the request and instead redirect the student to engage with the material.—
Ray Ravaglia,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reaction. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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