response

noun

ri-ˈspän(t)s How to pronounce response (audio)
Definition of responsenext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 However, sometimes there is an exaggerated response which can lead to more gum disease. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025 Poland has closed its border and airspace with Belarus and deployed 40,000 troops in response. —Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025 This real-time response also allows for stronger evidence collection. —Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025 This not only slowed response times but also made detection more likely by surveillance satellites. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for response
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
  1. reaction
  2. reply
  3. answer
Noun
  • During the prelims in Tokyo, Seville had a concerning slow reaction to the starting gun.
    — Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Don't mix the two together, as the reaction can make a mess and cause the two cleaners to cancel each other out.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of reaction
Noun
  • The department’s responses (and the AFT’s reply) are due in October.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Her reply brimmed with enthusiasm.
    — Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of reply
Noun
  • Check out our hints and answers right here.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • These answers could come in the coming decades with future missions.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of answer

Browse Nearby Words

respond (to)
response
responses
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Cite this Entry

“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on response

Nglish: Translation of response for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about response

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