RESPONSE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'response' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of response are answer , rejoinder , reply , and retort . While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus. // a response to the call for recruits

Q: When would 'answer' be a good substitute for 'response'?

The words answer and response can be used in similar contexts, but answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need. // had answers to all their questions

Q: When could 'rejoinder' be used to replace 'response'?

While the synonyms rejoinder and response are close in meaning, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection. // a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Q: When can 'reply' be used instead of 'response'?

The meanings of reply and response largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised. // a point-by-point reply to the accusation

Q: When might 'retort' be a better fit than 'response'?

Although the words retort and response have much in common, retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack. // she made a cutting retort to her critics

response

noun

ri-ˈspän(t)s

Definition of response

as in reaction

action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior my response to my first boxing defeat was to train even harder

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as in reply

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question the real estate office's unhelpful response to my question about what houses in the area are renting for

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How does the noun response differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of response are answer, rejoinder, reply, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

When would answer be a good substitute for response?

The words answer and response can be used in similar contexts, but answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

When could rejoinder be used to replace response?

While the synonyms rejoinder and response are close in meaning, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When can reply be used instead of response?

The meanings of reply and response largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When might retort be a better fit than response?

Although the words retort and response have much in common, retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of response During the response, firefighters also rescued a dog from the property. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 It’s solely based off the strength of Hamilton and the response that these eight or nine weeks have had in Europe. — Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 There is always a lag between identifying an alarming shift in the strategic balance and developing a response to it. — Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 In response, Trinity took a moment during the reunion to confront Sol. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for response

Recent Examples of Synonyms for response

Noun

Greening is a natural reaction—not a sign of rot or spoilage in the traditional sense.

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
This reaction was triggered by Kiffin, who had planned to sign tight end Dae’Quan Wright after the Cleveland Browns released him during the preseason.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of reaction

Noun

Secure Messaging provides additional ways for families to communicate, including Talk-to-Text, voice messages, photos, emojis, GIF stickers, preset quick replies, e-greeting cards, and group chats.

— Jon Stojan, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Messages of greater than 100 words were more likely to receive a quick reply than short messages of 4-25 words.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of reply

Noun

Senior tight end Ryan Wynn was the Panthers’ answer to Konkey.

— Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Users will not see ads or sponsored links near their conversations, and the chatbot's answers will not be influenced by third-party product placements, Anthropic had said.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of answer

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respond (to)

response

responses

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“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of response

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