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
What has changed in recent seasons is the Oilers’ reaction to physical teams.
—
Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
The Women’s March originally started in reaction to Trump’s first presidential victory in 2016.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 19 Jan. 2025
Dust particles in the air can make asthma worse and cause allergic reactions for those who already suffer from weak respiratory systems.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025
The post drew immediate reactions from customers, as is so often the case.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reaction 
Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
The Women’s March originally started in reaction to Trump’s first presidential victory in 2016.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 19 Jan. 2025
Dust particles in the air can make asthma worse and cause allergic reactions for those who already suffer from weak respiratory systems.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025
The post drew immediate reactions from customers, as is so often the case.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for reaction
Thesaurus Entries Near reaction
Cite this Entry
“Reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reaction. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share