reception

noun

re·​cep·​tion ri-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce reception (audio)
Synonyms of reception
1
: the act or action or an instance of receiving: such as
a
: receipt
the reception and distribution of funds
b
: admission
reception into the church
c
: response, reaction
the play met with a mixed reception
d
: the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
e
: the catching of a forward pass by a receiver
2
: a social gathering often for the purpose of extending a formal welcome

Did you know?

Reception is the noun form of receive. So at a formal reception, guests are received or welcomed or "taken in". A bad TV reception means the signal isn't being received well. When a new novel receives good reviews, we say it has met with a good critical reception. If it gets a poor reception, on the other hand, that's the same as saying that it wasn't well-received.

Synonyms of reception

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Examples of reception in a Sentence

The school held a reception for the new students and their families. He decided to run for a seat on the school committee only a year after his reception into the community. Her job is to deal with the reception of donations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These areas have been a focus for investors, and in recent quarters, Disney has received a mixed reception from Wall Street. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 KeAndre Lambert-Smith had a game-high four receptions, all coming in the first half. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 There’s also senior Caden Mackey, who made the most of limited touches with over 10 yards per reception, and could have a huge season with more opportunity. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Rizzo the Rat and Bean Bunny rejoined the Muppets, and the gang got a special with Sabrina Carpenter in February that received an incredible reception, though there hasn’t been word on whether Disney will order a full season or not. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reception

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recepcion, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French reception, from Latin reception-, receptio, from recipere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reception was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing reception

Rhymes for reception

See All Rhymes for reception

Browse Nearby Words

receptible
reception
reception area
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reception. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reception

noun
re·​cep·​tion ri-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce reception (audio)
1
: the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting
a warm reception
2
: the receiving of a radio or television broadcast
3
: a social gathering
a wedding reception

More from Merriam-Webster on reception

Nglish: Translation of reception for Spanish Speakers

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