REACTIONARIES Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

reactionaries

noun

plural of reactionary

as in conservatives

a person whose political beliefs are centered on tradition and keeping things the way they are reactionaries tried to stop the passage of the legislation extending civil rights

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as in veterans

a person with old-fashioned ideas a reactionary in the nation's ongoing culture war, she seems to believe that watching any TV at all will rot your brain

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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 reactionaries An investigation into the apocalyptic thinking of Christian nationalists, tech-bro reactionaries and populist survivalists. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 America First ideologues, backed by the government in Washington, condemn Europe in pretty much the same terms that European reactionaries once used against the United States. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 But to his legions of enemies — from MAGA reactionaries to the Anti-Defamation League to mere centrist Democrats — Piker is a loudmouth extremist who’s actively harming the country. — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026 Some reactionaries will always find a reason to demand all-white entertainment, regardless of whether there are mermaids, hobbits, or lightsabers involved. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 The Federal Reserve’s reactionaries are likely to then put pressure on Warsh to hike interest rates. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Yes, the movie’s reactionaries are ridiculous, never more so than when Penn’s comic-book antagonist is onscreen. — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionaries

Noun

Japanese people, largely conservatives who are fans of Aiko or oppose the male-line succession, have taken to the streets in recent weeks and their movement is growing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
There was a time when conservatives were opposed to increasing the debt.

— Kevin Igoe, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of conservatives

Noun

Seniors, disabled residents, and veterans may be entitled to further tax rate exemptions.

— Andis Robeznieks, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Edwards won’t be the best running back TCU has faced this season, but those veterans from 2023 understand how quickly Edwards can change a game if he’s not accounted for.

— Steven Johnson October 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of veterans

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“Reactionaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactionaries. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of reactionaries

noun

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