Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Extremely conservative, opposing political or social progress: Describes a person, group, or ideology that strongly resists change and seeks to return to a previous, often more traditional, state of affairs in society or politics.

2. Noun:

   • An extreme conservative; an opponent of progress or liberalism: Refers to a person who holds reactionary political views and actively opposes reforms, modernization, or liberal ideas.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in political and social contexts to describe a position far to the right of the political spectrum. It carries a strong negative connotation, implying opposition to necessary or beneficial change.
• As an adjective, it typically precedes a noun (e.g., a reactionary policy). As a noun, it refers to the person holding such views.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The government's reactionary policies sought to reverse decades of social reform.
  • His views on education are considered deeply reactionary by his colleagues.

• Noun:

  • The old general was a staunch reactionary who despised the new democratic constitution.
  • She was labeled a reactionary for her vehement opposition to the civil rights movement.

Advanced Usage

• "reactionary forces": Refers to groups or institutions (like parts of the military, church, or aristocracy) that actively work to restore a former political or social order.
  • The revolution was ultimately crushed by reactionary forces loyal to the old regime.

Variants and Related Words

• Reactionism (n): The ideology or practice of being reactionary.
  • His philosophy was a blend of nationalism and reactionism.
• Reactionist (adj/n): A less common synonym for reactionary.
  • (Archaic) The reactionist faction within the party blocked all progressive legislation.

Synonyms

• Adjective: ultraconservative, right-wing, traditionalist, backward-looking.
• Noun: ultraconservative, diehard, right-winger, traditionalist.

Antonyms

• Adjective: progressive, liberal, radical, reformist.
• Noun: progressive, liberal, reformer, revolutionary.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "A reactionary backlash": A strong and hostile reaction against social or political change.
  • The new laws provoked a reactionary backlash from conservative groups.

Adjective

1. extremely conservative

Noun

1. an extreme conservative; an opponent of progress or liberalism