reaction
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for reaction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A response, in words, feelings, or actions, to something that has happened.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use reaction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin reactio, built from re- ("again") and agere ("to do, to act").
Full origin of reaction →Frequently asked questions
What does “reaction” mean?
The word “reaction” means a response, in words, feelings, or actions, to something that has happened. In plain terms, a response to an event — emotional, chemical, or political depending on context.
How do you pronounce “reaction”?
“Reaction” is pronounced ree-AK-shuhn (/ɹiˈækʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “reaction” in a sentence?
Here is “reaction” used in a sentence: “His first reaction was disbelief.”
What is another word for “reaction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reaction” include reax and rxn.
What part of speech is “reaction”?
“Reaction” is a noun.
Where does the word “reaction” come from?
The word “reaction” comes from Latin. From Latin reactio, built from re- ("again") and agere ("to do, to act").
Is “reaction” a common word?
“Reaction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reaction” have?
“Reaction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a response, in words, feelings, or actions, to something that has happened.
What is the difference between a reaction and a response?
A reaction is immediate and instinctive — it happens almost automatically, often driven by emotion, before you have time to think. A response is more considered and deliberate, chosen after reflection. Snapping back in anger is a reaction; pausing and replying calmly is a response. The difference is largely one of control.
What are the types of reactions?
In everyday use, reactions can be emotional, such as fear or delight, verbal, such as a comment or reply, or physical, such as flinching or applauding. The word also has specialised senses — a chemical reaction between substances, or an allergic reaction in the body — but all share the idea of a response to something that has happened.
What is an example of a reaction?
If someone shares surprising news and you gasp, that gasp is your reaction. Laughing at a joke, jumping at a loud bang, or firing off an angry reply are all reactions — each one an immediate response in feeling, words, or action to something that has just happened.