disapproval A reactionary person or group tries to prevent changes in the political or social system of their country. It grew ever more clear to everyone that the Minister was too reactionary, too blinkered radical A reactionary is someone with reactionary views. Critics viewed him as a reactionary. radical. very strongly opposed to any social or political change - used to show disapproval. reactionaries someone who strongly opposes any social or political change - used to show disapproval