reactionary

Sometimes re·ac·tion·ist

[ree-ak-shuh-ner-ee]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, marked by, or favoring reaction, especially extreme conservatism or rightism in politics; opposing political or social change.

   Synonyms: ultraconservative
   Antonyms: radical

noun

plural

reactionaries 

1. a reactionary person.

   Synonyms: ultraconservative
   Antonyms: radical

reactionary

/ -ʃənrɪ, rɪˈækʃənərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by reaction, esp against radical political or social change

noun

1. a person opposed to radical change

reactionary

1. An extremely conservative person or position that not only resists change but seeks to return to the “good old days” of an earlier social order.

Other Word Forms

• reactionism noun
• reactionaryism noun
• reactionarism noun
• antireactionary noun
• half-reactionary adjective
• nonreactionary adjective
• semireactionary adjective
• unreactionary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reactionary¹

1830–40; reaction + -ary; compare French réactionnaire

Example Sentences

Long reactionary in their politics and social structure, these states’ business-friendly policies now have something to teach the progressive Golden State.

From Los Angeles Times

The students’ memorial service was even disrupted by local reactionaries who chanted, “Kent State Four! Should have studied more!”

From Salon

Its symbiosis with a political era that is reactionary, anti-intellectual and xenophobic should be clear.

From Salon

There was a minority within the movement, he admits, who were not real conservatives, but reactionaries.

From Salon

Glomming onto popular topics is a good way to attract new audiences, especially those who may not be that political, and lure them into engaging with reactionary content.

From Salon

Related Words

• archconservative 
• counterrevolutionary 
• regressive 
• rightist 
• ultraconservative