adj
Uncommon
reactionary
ree-AK-shuhn-ree
Reactionary (adj) means Strongly opposed to political or social change, and favouring a return to how things used to be. Example: “The new leader took a reactionary stance on immigration.”
adj
1
Strongly opposed to political or social change, and favouring a return to how things used to be.
"The new leader took a reactionary stance on immigration."
noun
1
A person who opposes progress or reform and wants to restore an earlier state of affairs.
"Critics dismissed him as an out-of-touch reactionary."
How to use reactionary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something firmly against change, wanting to go back to the old ways.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "reactive," which just means responding to events rather than holding a political stance.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- reactionaries
- Comparative
- more reactionary
- Superlative
- most reactionary
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new leader took a _____ stance on immigration.
Etymology
Borrowed from French réactionnaire, coined around the time of the French Revolution to describe opponents of revolutionary change.
Synonyms
View more →
ultraconservative
extreme right-winger
reactionist
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for reactionary
See all rhymes for reactionary →Frequently asked questions
What does “reactionary” mean?
The word “reactionary” means strongly opposed to political or social change, and favouring a return to how things used to be. In plain terms, someone or something firmly against change, wanting to go back to the old ways.
How do you pronounce “reactionary”?
“Reactionary” is pronounced ree-AK-shuhn-ree (/ɹiˈæk.ʃəˌnɛɚ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “reactionary” in a sentence?
Here is “reactionary” used in a sentence: “The new leader took a reactionary stance on immigration.”
What is the opposite of “reactionary”?
The opposite of “reactionary” — its antonyms — is progressive.
What part of speech is “reactionary”?
Depending on how it is used, “reactionary” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “reactionary” come from?
The word “reactionary” comes from French. Borrowed from French réactionnaire, coined around the time of the French Revolution to describe opponents of revolutionary change.
Is “reactionary” a common word?
“Reactionary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “reactionary” have?
“Reactionary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strongly opposed to political or social change, and favouring a return to how things used to be.
