reactionary
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of reactionary
Explanation
A reactionary is someone who opposes reform or change, especially in the realm of politics. A reactionary is someone reacting (in horror) to what others consider to be progress. No one describes themselves as reactionary — you will hear it more often as a condemnation, as in "I cannot support the reactionary policy of mandatory military service for 18-year-olds."
Vocabulary lists containing reactionary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He says his vision comes with “a decidedly new twist” because it is not reactionary and really will deliver abundance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
We need a coordinated maritime security framework that goes beyond reactionary naval escorts to include long-term diplomatic and economic safeguards.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
And I sure don’t underestimate L.A.’s middle-class malaise, long a reactionary force in city politics with a winning track record that spans decades.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Kennedy has a real talent for taking reactionary, often sadistic ideas and reframing them to sound compassionate and therapeutic.
From Salon • May 18, 2026
I knew that it was a reactionary project, but it at least showed that you were developing some political consciousness.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
