REACTIONARY Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

reactionary 1 of 2

adjective

rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of reactionary

as in conservative

tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions reactionary guardians of proper English usage invariably regard every new coinage that comes along as a nonword

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reactionary

2 of 2

noun

as in rightist

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in veteran

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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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 reactionary

Adjective

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 The demonization of minorities was nothing new, of course, but New York in the Seventies birthed a reactionary movement that was supported by politicians, public intellectuals, elites, and working people alike. — Kevin Lozano, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026

Noun

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 Like Curtis Yarvin and other neo-reactionaries, Land abhors democracy. — James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reactionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionary

Adjective

The conservative assault on child health starts with the anti-vaccine campaign and proceeds to cutbacks in nutrition assistance and narrowed access to healthcare.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Each capsule biography offers a short video created in partnership with the conservative media organization PragerU.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Definition of conservative

Noun

And a quieter sky genuinely matters to veterans with PTSD, to parents of sensory-sensitive kids, and to every dog that spends the Fourth wedged under a bed.

— Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Condrey is a writer, veteran and formerly homeless resident of San Diego.

— David Lee Condrey, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

But the shift underscores a dramatic loss of clout by Comcast and other traditional media enterprises.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
While the crowds spent their money on an overheated summer in the Mediterranean, a quieter group is waiting patiently for September, October and November, the traditional shoulder season.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of traditional

Adjective

Rodriguez almost played as an auxiliary right-back instead of an orthodox right-winger, dropping deep and dictating play.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 June 2026
In an age of intelligent machines, who gets to decide what is orthodox remains one of the most important questions a free society can ask.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

Definition of orthodox

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“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactionary. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of reactionary

adjective

noun

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