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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of reactionary
Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The team leaders and coaches have cautioned against being reactionary, encouraging small adjustments rather than major ones.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Adjective
The Sun Devils were instead forced to punt and a reactionary firestorm began on social media.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The team leaders and coaches have cautioned against being reactionary, encouraging small adjustments rather than major ones.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for reactionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionary
Adjective
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Farrier grew up in New Zealand and attended a conservative Christian school.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
21 July 2025
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Edwin Feulner, founder and longtime president of the influential U.S. conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, has died, the foundation announced in a statement.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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An additional 18 pot still whiskeys won Gold, demonstrating that Ireland’s most traditional whiskey style continues to elevate the standards for flavor, complexity, and craftsmanship.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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The left-handed bat seems to have a more traditional torpedo shape.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Multiple teams have expressed interest in the Royals’ top veterans.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 July 2025
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But the veterans are still having their say in Europe — and beyond.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
26 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 30 Jul. 2025.
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