Reaction
UK /["/riˈækʃn/"]/US /["/riˈækʃn/"]/
Definition
what you do, say or think as a result of something that has happened
In simple words: How someone responds to something.
Examples
- Her reaction to the news was surprisingly calm.
- He had a quick reaction when the ball was thrown at him.
- The medication caused an allergic reaction in some patients.
- He always delivers a strong reaction to criticism.
- Their reaction to the surprise party was priceless.
- The coach praised the team's reaction during the game.
- I was curious to see her reaction to the proposal.
Usage notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid in highly casual conversations. Common in discussions about emotions or scientific processes.
Grammar pattern
reaction + to + object
Memory hint
Think of 'react' — you react when something happens!
Collocations
- extreme
- strong
- violent
- get
- have
- meet with
- in reaction to
- reaction against
- reaction to
- extreme
- strong
- violent
- get
- have
- meet with
- in reaction to
- reaction against
- reaction to
- adverse
- bad
- severe
- experience
- have
- suffer
- reaction to
- fast
- good
- lightning
- have
- speed up
- slow down
- time
- chain
- chemical
- nuclear
- cause
- initiate
- produce
- occur
- take place
- during a/the reaction
- in a/the reaction
- reaction between
Synonyms
- response
- reply
- feedback
- counter
- retort
Antonyms
- inaction
- apathy
- indifference
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'action' as they are opposites.
- Using 'reaction' without specifying what it is a reaction to.
- Mispronouncing it as 'rea-kshun' instead of 'ree-akshun'.