REACTIONARY Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

reactionary 1 of 2

adjective

rē-ˈak-shə-ˌner-ē

Definition of reactionary

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reactionary

2 of 2

noun

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in veteran

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of reactionary

Adjective

My perspective and approach has been to try and be as measured as possible and not be as reactionary. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026 Far from merely raising a reactionary fist in the air at the new science, Swift identified an attitude that is still around today — and one that has created many of the greatest challenges now facing educators. — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

Noun

But to his legions of enemies — from MAGA reactionaries to the Anti-Defamation League to mere centrist Democrats — Piker is a loudmouth extremist who’s actively harming the country. — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026 Some reactionaries will always find a reason to demand all-white entertainment, regardless of whether there are mermaids, hobbits, or lightsabers involved. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reactionary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionary

Adjective

The move came after a conservative group announced daily protests outside the home of lead actor Yoo Hae-jin.

— Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Zacharia sat down for an interview Thursday with the conservative Human Events outlet.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of conservative

Noun

For wellness-minded readers, veterans and the parents of young athletes, how testosterone works has become more than a locker-room topic.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Reaves would be at least the 235th military veteran executed nationwide in the modern era and the 14th veteran executed under DeSantis.

— Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

Upon landing in Samarkand on Sunday night, Rubio was warmly embraced by Uzbekistan’s foreign minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, while two women clad in elaborate gold-and-black traditional dresses presented him with a bouquet.

— Reuters, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
In all these areas, the traditional aid system is falling short.

— David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026