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
Supporters react as Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, concedes the election during a speech at Howard University on Nov. 6, 2024, in Washington, DC.
—
Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Supporters react to election results at Howard University.
—Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
Many celebs are reacting with frustration and disappointment after the decisive Republican victory.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Gratitude can help foster long-term thinking by reducing the tendency to react impulsively in the heat of the moment.
—Raquel Gomes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for react 
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Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Supporters react to election results at Howard University.
—Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
Many celebs are reacting with frustration and disappointment after the decisive Republican victory.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Gratitude can help foster long-term thinking by reducing the tendency to react impulsively in the heat of the moment.
—Raquel Gomes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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 26 Nov. 2024.
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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