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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fogey
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
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Recent Examples of reactionary
Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Generally speaking, the Mets’ front office tries to avoid making reactionary decisions.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 22 June 2025
This collective assessment enables developing response protocols with clear accountabilities, empowering decisive action rather than reactionary scrambling when issues arise.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Consequently, with a neutered DNC and Florida Democratic Party, activist groups have taken upon the reactionary, confrontational attitude that launched solid-left candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Florida’s own Maxwell Alejandro Frost to Congress.
—Maximo Bratter, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Adjective
The new title exemplifies one of Perry’s favorite moves, which is to present reactionary conservatism as simple common sense.
—Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Generally speaking, the Mets’ front office tries to avoid making reactionary decisions.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 22 June 2025
This collective assessment enables developing response protocols with clear accountabilities, empowering decisive action rather than reactionary scrambling when issues arise.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Consequently, with a neutered DNC and Florida Democratic Party, activist groups have taken upon the reactionary, confrontational attitude that launched solid-left candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Florida’s own Maxwell Alejandro Frost to Congress.
—Maximo Bratter, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionary
Adjective
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In addition, the independence of private universities and their tax status that encourages donations supports conservative and sectarian schools: Boston College, Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Liberty University, among many others.—
Peter Balakian
July 9,
Literary Hub,
9 July 2025
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But even after the court's conservative majority limited the use of far-reaching injunctions that block enforcement of a policy across the country, the justices may continue to face a steady drumbeat of emergency appeals seeking their intervention.—
Melissa Quinn
July 9,
CBS News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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From puberty to post-menopause, hormones significantly impact women's health experiences—yet they're often dismissed, misunderstood, or inadequately addressed in traditional healthcare settings.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 July 2025
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The traditional aid distribution method in Gaza saw aid flow through Hamas, which has been scrutinized for keeping supplies from civilians or charging them to obtain the goods.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
6 July 2025
Noun
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But after those two veterans, the Panthers’ cornerback room is notably inexperienced.—
Mike Kaye
July 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
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These are programs that deal exclusively with veterans, so the staff there have an appreciation and a sensitivity to issues that veterans experience.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Funds could support conservative seminaries like Nashotah House, a conservative seminary in the Anglican tradition, or pastors from the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, ensuring orthodox leadership for historic churches.—
The Rev. Jake Dell,
Hartford Courant,
7 July 2025
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The religious advisory board includes Christian and Jewish members from traditions including Catholicism, evangelicalism, Greek Orthodox Christianity and orthodox Judaism.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactionary. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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