reactionary

adjective

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

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.
Ross exclaimed in a short reactionary clip, mocking 50. Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 7 Feb. 2025 In this framing, returning the marbles would be reactionary and nationalist; retaining them is progressive and cosmopolitan. Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 While some people posted what joke-y responses to the rumors: Others had far more reactionary takes about the rumors of Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama dating. Callum Booth, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Between shocking personal revelations, examinations of the artist’s innermost fears, and carefree displays of affluence and mic technique, an image of reactionary modern masculinity emerges. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near reactionary

Cite this Entry

“Reactionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactionary. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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