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
At every turn, there have been forces of reaction seeking to claw back the extension of our rights and liberties to more people.
—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
4 July 2026
The material can power reactions such as oxidizing organic molecules, potentially degrading pollutants, sterilizing surfaces, or enabling photocatalytic chemistry to continue later in the dark.
—
New Atlas,
3 July 2026
An observation, a surprising message or a sudden change of plans could push you into reaction mode.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Thomson got in touch and showed him fan-reaction clips of the earlier games.
—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
4 July 2026
The material can power reactions such as oxidizing organic molecules, potentially degrading pollutants, sterilizing surfaces, or enabling photocatalytic chemistry to continue later in the dark.
—
New Atlas,
3 July 2026
An observation, a surprising message or a sudden change of plans could push you into reaction mode.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Thomson got in touch and showed him fan-reaction clips of the earlier games.
—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for reaction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reaction
Noun
-
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department seeking clarification about an apparent discrepancy in its announcement regarding the age of one of the alleged trafficking victims and will update this story if a response is received.
-
Their desperation comes as the Venezuelan government faces mounting criticism over its response to the crisis.
Noun
-
Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored a first-half goal and Cape Verde had an answer, taking the round of 32 matchup to extra time.
-
Sherman didn’t give a definite answer to that but expects the Marlins to compete regardless.
Cite this Entry
“Reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reaction. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
