react
7 synonyms for react, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use react
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
react to news
react quickly
chemicals react
Etymology
Built from re- ("again") and act, echoing the Latin reagere ("to act back").
Full origin of react →Frequently asked questions
What does “react” mean?
The word “react” means to act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened. In plain terms, to respond to something — with a feeling, an action, or (for chemicals) a transformation.
How do you pronounce “react”?
“React” is pronounced ree-AKT (/ɹiːˈækt/ in IPA).
How do you use “react” in a sentence?
Here is “react” used in a sentence: “She reacted angrily to the news.”
What part of speech is “react”?
“React” is a verb.
Where does the word “react” come from?
The word “react” comes from Latin. Built from re- ("again") and act, echoing the Latin reagere ("to act back").
Is “react” a common word?
“React” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “react” have?
“React” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to act, respond, or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened.
What is the difference between "react" and "respond"?
To "react" suggests a fairly immediate or instinctive action caused by something that has happened, often emotional. To "respond" tends to suggest a more considered or deliberate reply, though the two overlap in everyday use.
Which preposition goes with "react"?
The verb "react" is normally followed by "to," as in she reacted to the news calmly. In its chemical sense it takes "with," as in acids react with metals.
What is the difference between "react" and "overreact"?
To "react" simply means to act or behave in a particular way because of something that has happened. To "overreact" means to react more strongly or emotionally than the situation calls for.
