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 Some of the victims of the U.S. Capitol siege are angry about the Trump administration's public statements and response to this weekend's unrest in Los Angeles, accusing top officials and the president of hypocrisy. —Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 9 June 2025 The protests began Friday in response to ICE raids at several Los Angeles-area businesses. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 9 June 2025 Abrego Garcia's attorneys are expected to file a response to the government's detention motion on Wednesday. —James Hill, ABC News, 9 June 2025 At the same time, the response to that show set up Lloyd’s vision to rewrite the rules. —Jenelle Riley, Variety, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for response
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
  1. reaction
  2. reply
  3. answer
Noun
  • The ant is getting attention after University of Georgia (UGA) entomologist Dan Suiter issued a warning that its sting can be remarkably painful and sometimes cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 13 June 2025
  • From funny reactions to adorable giggles, see some of the best moments from Thursday's big game Comments Taylor Swift is back in her sporty era!
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of reaction
Noun
  • But after reading thousands of messages in my inbox, one thing has become obvious: some people get replies right away, others are coming across way too transactional and will never hear back.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Notion Mail includes features for sorting, labeling, and filtering emails and tools for drafting replies using AI to help.
    — Ellen Sheng, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Definition of reply
Noun
  • And then what happens when taxpayers are given the wrong answer?
    — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Generative Al is seen by some as an answer to this crisis : a near magical tool that can produce words, images and sounds from a simple and vague description.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 June 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 17 Jun. 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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