reacted; reacting; reacts
1
: to exert a reciprocal or counteracting force or influence
—often used with on or upon
2
: to change in response to a stimulus
3
: to act in opposition to a force or influence
—usually used with against
4
: to move or tend in a reverse direction
5
: to undergo chemical reaction
: to cause to react
Examples of react in a Sentence
When I told her what happened, she reacted with anger.
I didn't expect him to react that way.
The firefighters reacted quickly when they heard the alarm.
He reacted badly to the drug.
Recent Examples on the Web
Because the two assets often react differently to market conditions, holding both may provide diversification benefits.
—
Sharon Wu, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Heritage strains tend to be grown with fewer pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and some people who react poorly to modern wheat tolerate them better.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 29, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
—Justina Lee, CNBC, 2 June 2026
With insulin resistance, the cells don’t react, and don’t open up, resulting in excessive sugar in the blood.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for react
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Sharon Wu, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Heritage strains tend to be grown with fewer pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and some people who react poorly to modern wheat tolerate them better.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 29, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
—Justina Lee, CNBC, 2 June 2026
With insulin resistance, the cells don’t react, and don’t open up, resulting in excessive sugar in the blood.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
react
verb
re·act
rē-ˈakt 
1
: to act or behave in response (as to stimulation or an influence)
the colonists reacted to the tax by boycotting tea
2
: to oppose a force or influence
—usually used with against
reacted against their unfair treatment
3
: to go through or cause to go through a chemical reaction
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