REPLY Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of reply are answer , rejoinder , response , and retort . While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised. // a point-by-point reply to the accusation

Q: Where would 'answer' be a reasonable alternative to 'reply'?

Although the words answer and reply have much in common, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need. // had answers to all their questions

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

The meanings of rejoinder and reply largely overlap; however, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection. // a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Q: When is 'response' a more appropriate choice than 'reply'?

The words response and reply can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'retort' be a good substitute for 'reply'?

In some situations, the words retort and reply are roughly equivalent. However, 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

reply 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈplī

Definition of reply next

as in to respond

to act or behave in response (as to a stimulus or influence) replied to the news that she had won the scholarship by jumping around the room and cheering

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as in to answer

to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction please reply to my question at your earliest convenience

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2 of 2

noun

as in response

action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior decided the best reply to a wrongful discharge from employment was a lawsuit claiming discrimination

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in answer

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question I look forward to your reply to my request

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun reply differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reply are answer, rejoinder, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

Where would answer be a reasonable alternative to reply?

Although the words answer and reply have much in common, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

When can rejoinder be used instead of reply?

The meanings of rejoinder and reply largely overlap; however, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When is response a more appropriate choice than reply?

The words response and reply can be used in similar contexts, but 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 retort be a good substitute for reply?

In some situations, the words retort and reply are roughly equivalent. However, 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 reply

Verb

Costco, which sold the cards, did not reply to an interview request. —

Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Reps for Wasserman and Roan did not immediately reply to Rolling Stone‘s requests for comment. —

Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2026

Noun

Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. —

John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 Fortune sought comment from CMDSS via a phone number that the company removed from its website following the initial reports about John Daghita in January, and via a form on the site, but did not receive an immediate reply. —

Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reply

Verb

The White House responded with a counterproposal Wednesday night, which Democrats dismissed as unserious.

— Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

— Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026

Definition of respond

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replumbs

replying

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“Reply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reply. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of reply

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