Synonyms for

Reaction

Verb / ri:ˈækʃʌn / Another word for reaction — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A response to something that has happened or been said.

Synonyms & similar words

response chemicalreaction response reply answer retort counteraction feedback backlash reflex retaliation acknowledgment resistance recoil revulsion effect result consequence outcome

Synonyms by register

Formal

response repercussion consequence retort

Informal

comeback reply kickback feedback

Literary

echo reverberation response

Antonyms

inaction passivity complacency apathy indifference nonchalance

Common collocations

  • strong reaction
  • adverse reaction
  • allergic reaction
  • emotional reaction
  • immediate reaction
  • negative reaction
  • positive reaction
  • chemical reaction

Word family

noun reaction
verb react
adjective reactive
adverb reactively

Usage note

While 'reaction' can refer to a response to something, it often implies an involuntary or automatic response, especially in scientific or medical contexts. Be mindful of its connotations of opposition or negativity in social contexts.

Example sentences

  1. I had a reaction to the medicine.
  2. Her reaction to the surprise party was priceless.
  3. The chemical reaction created smoke.
  4. His reaction was to run away.
  5. The reaction from the crowd was overwhelmingly positive.

Quotes

  • Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. - Charles R. Swindoll
  • We cannot always control everything that happens to us in this life, but we can control how we react. - Marvin J. Ashton
  • How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. - Wayne Dyer

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