1
as in conservatives
a person whose political beliefs are centered on tradition and keeping things the way they are
reactionaries tried to stop the passage of the legislation extending civil rights
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in veterans
a person with old-fashioned ideas
a reactionary in the nation's ongoing culture war, she seems to believe that watching any TV at all will rot your brain
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Recent Examples of reactionaries
Like Curtis Yarvin and other neo-reactionaries, Land abhors democracy.
—
James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
In middle age, some sports fans become reactionaries.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 25 Dec. 2025
Yes, the movie’s reactionaries are ridiculous, never more so than when Penn’s comic-book antagonist is onscreen.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
When Atsu was first revealed as the game’s protagonist, reactionaries jumped to disavow the sequel, citing bad-faith reasoning that failed to hide their prejudices.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
In middle age, some sports fans become reactionaries.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 25 Dec. 2025
Yes, the movie’s reactionaries are ridiculous, never more so than when Penn’s comic-book antagonist is onscreen.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
When Atsu was first revealed as the game’s protagonist, reactionaries jumped to disavow the sequel, citing bad-faith reasoning that failed to hide their prejudices.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reactionaries
Noun
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Bonta and her backers say conservatives have deliberately misled the public about her bill’s purpose, leading to a wave of vitriol and threats against the lawmaker.—
Andrew Graham
April 26,
Sacbee.com,
26 Apr. 2026
-
In October, Patel said the bureau was severing its ties with SPLC, following escalating complaints from conservatives and prominent Trump allies.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Coral upset experienced veterans of the sport, Christina Gasparich from Los Angeles, and Calla Allison from San Clemente, both of whom have been on the USA National BodySurfing Team for the past three years in-a-row.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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With veterans Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey both still locked in as 2026 starters, Burke could be a fascinating investment for offensive-line coach Zach Strief.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reactionaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reactionaries. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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