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
Israel reacted angrily to the unprecedented strikes, while praising its military’s response.
—
Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
On a recent day, more people than not reacted with shock and horror at the stand.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
On Friday’s episode, April 12, the ladies reacted to the bombshell news that Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist are divorcing.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Vargas reacted to his first goal of the season by somersaulting in celebration.
—Observer Wire Reports, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2024
One of the most common ways is to avoid rewarding dogs for reacting to negative stimuli.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2024
When Lucy reacts in horror, The Ghoul humorously explains that her beloved father (Kyle MacLachlan) probably committed similar acts in order to survive.
—EW.com, 11 Apr. 2024
How the bond market reacts to the Fed’s interest rate policy, as well as other factors can influence mortgage rates.
—Alex Veiga, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
Arizona leaders react to TSMC grant:'At the forefront of our country’s economic future'
What do jobs pay at TSMC?
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
On a recent day, more people than not reacted with shock and horror at the stand.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
On Friday’s episode, April 12, the ladies reacted to the bombshell news that Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist are divorcing.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Vargas reacted to his first goal of the season by somersaulting in celebration.
—Observer Wire Reports, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2024
One of the most common ways is to avoid rewarding dogs for reacting to negative stimuli.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2024
When Lucy reacts in horror, The Ghoul humorously explains that her beloved father (Kyle MacLachlan) probably committed similar acts in order to survive.
—EW.com, 11 Apr. 2024
How the bond market reacts to the Fed’s interest rate policy, as well as other factors can influence mortgage rates.
—Alex Veiga, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
Arizona leaders react to TSMC grant:'At the forefront of our country’s economic future'
What do jobs pay at TSMC?
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'react.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 18 Apr. 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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