reactionary

adjective

re·​ac·​tion·​ary rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce reactionary (audio)
Synonyms of reactionarynext
: relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction
especially : ultraconservative in politics
reactionary noun
reactionaryism
rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce reactionary (audio)
noun

Synonyms of reactionary

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Examples of reactionary in a Sentence

reactionary guardians of proper English usage invariably regard every new coinage that comes along as a nonword
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, the team isn’t presenting Sentnor as a reactionary move to Straus’ departure. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 19 June 2026 While secession sputtered, the Valley’s reactionary energy led to structural reforms at City Hall. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026 Only within the logic of an authoritarian or deeply reactionary culture can justice and beauty become controversial aims. — The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 Here, as ever, Kokopeli suggests that clinging to youthful talismans offers no protection against uncertainty, and reasserts the odd mix of disaffection and morbid glee produced by such reactionary impulses. — Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reactionary

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reactionary was in 1815

Rhymes for reactionary

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Browse Nearby Words

reactionarist
reactionary
reactionaryism
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Cite this Entry

“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactionary. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reactionary

1 of 2 adjective
re·​ac·​tion·​ary
rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē
: of, relating to, or favoring old-fashioned political or social ideas

reactionary

2 of 2 noun
plural reactionaries
: a reactionary person

More from Merriam-Webster on reactionary

Nglish: Translation of reactionary for Spanish Speakers

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