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
Democrats have reacted in a much less fervent action to Trump’s second win than his surprise victory in 2016 when activists mobilized quickly to thwart his agenda.
—
Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024
Businesses can react to challenges or seize opportunities at their peak, proactively shaping the future rather than following it.
—Mohammed Alzain, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Shelves are lined with lights in different shades of white, colors, large bulbs, small bulbs and some that can be customized using your smartphone and even react to music.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Traders have reacted negatively to the downgrade, with France’s CAC 40 down 0.7% Monday morning.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for react 
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.
Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024
Businesses can react to challenges or seize opportunities at their peak, proactively shaping the future rather than following it.
—Mohammed Alzain, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Shelves are lined with lights in different shades of white, colors, large bulbs, small bulbs and some that can be customized using your smartphone and even react to music.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Traders have reacted negatively to the downgrade, with France’s CAC 40 down 0.7% Monday morning.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for react
Dictionary Entries Near react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share