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
Avoid unnecessary confrontations and hold space for others before reacting.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 May 2025
The researchers then started KJ on an immune-suppressing treatment to make sure his immune system wouldn't react to the gene-editing therapy.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Wirtz makes his signature sudden sprint to receive a pass, with his marker, Pablo Barrios, slow to react.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The warning is in effect until 7:30 p.m. How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for react
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 May 2025
The researchers then started KJ on an immune-suppressing treatment to make sure his immune system wouldn't react to the gene-editing therapy.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Wirtz makes his signature sudden sprint to receive a pass, with his marker, Pablo Barrios, slow to react.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
The warning is in effect until 7:30 p.m. How to react when facing a lightning hazard?
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for react
Cite this Entry
“React.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/react. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share