Reactionary: meaning, definitions and examples

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reactionary

[ rɪˈækʃəˌnɛri ]

^{Context #1}

politics

Opposing political or social progress or reform; ultraconservative.

Synonyms

conservative, traditionalist, ultraconservative

Examples of usage

His reactionary views on immigration are not in line with the current policies.
The party is split between progressive members and reactionary traditionalists.
The reactionary faction has been gaining influence within the government.
She criticized the reactionary attitudes towards gender equality in the workplace.

^{Context #2}

politics

A person who holds political views that favor a return to the status quo or a previous state of society.

Synonyms

conservative, traditionalist, ultraconservative

Examples of usage

The leader of the opposition party is considered a reactionary by many.
His reputation as a reactionary precedes him in the political arena.
The group is comprised of both radicals and reactionaries.
Many view him as a reactionary due to his opposition to social reforms.

Translations

Translations of the word "reactionary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reacionário

🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रियावादी

🇩🇪 reaktionär

🇮🇩 reaksioner

🇺🇦 реакційний

🇵🇱 reakcyjny

🇯🇵 反動的 (はんどうてき)

🇫🇷 réactionnaire

🇪🇸 reaccionario

🇹🇷 gerici

🇰🇷 반동적인 (반동적)

🇸🇦 رجعي

🇨🇿 reakční

🇸🇰 reakčný

🇨🇳 反动 (fǎndòng)

🇸🇮 reakcionaren

🇮🇸 afturhaldssamur

🇰🇿 реакциялық

🇬🇪 რეაქციონერი

🇦🇿 reaksioner

🇲🇽 reaccionario

Word origin

The term 'reactionary' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'reaction' with the suffix '-ary'. It was initially used in a political context to describe those who were opposed to liberal or progressive ideas, seeking to return to a previous state of society. The term has evolved to encompass a broader meaning of opposing social or political change, often associated with conservative or ultraconservative views.