reacted; reacting; reacts
1
: to exert a reciprocal or counteracting force or influence
—often used with on or upon
2
: to change in response to a stimulus
3
: to act in opposition to a force or influence
—usually used with against
4
: to move or tend in a reverse direction
5
: to undergo chemical reaction
: to cause to react
Examples of react in a Sentence
When I told her what happened, she reacted with anger.
I didn't expect him to react that way.
The firefighters reacted quickly when they heard the alarm.
He reacted badly to the drug.
Recent Examples on the Web
Technologists, some intelligence officers and political supports of encryption reacted strongly to the revelation.
—
Joseph Menn The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025
America’s allies in the region reacted with disbelief and concern about the impact the call would have on live diplomatic efforts, particularly the ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025
Jewish groups that are more broad-minded and sensible reacted with concern over the fate of the hostages and revulsion at the entire idea.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
The first showed his striker’s instincts inside the box, reacting quickly to direct a rebound home.
—Art De Roché, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for react 
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Joseph Menn The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025
America’s allies in the region reacted with disbelief and concern about the impact the call would have on live diplomatic efforts, particularly the ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025
Jewish groups that are more broad-minded and sensible reacted with concern over the fate of the hostages and revulsion at the entire idea.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
The first showed his striker’s instincts inside the box, reacting quickly to direct a rebound home.
—Art De Roché, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for react
Dictionary Entries Near react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
react
verb
re·act
rē-ˈakt 
1
: to act or behave in response (as to stimulation or an influence)
the colonists reacted to the tax by boycotting tea
2
: to oppose a force or influence
—usually used with against
reacted against their unfair treatment
3
: to go through or cause to go through a chemical reaction
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