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 next

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 In response, Connecticut Children’s and Yale New Haven Health pre-emptively shut down their gender-affirming care programs out of fear of subpoenas, federal funding cuts, or even criminal liability. —

Matthew Blinstrubas, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026 Canadians shunned American products in response to new tariffs. —

Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026 Perhaps there was no better response than scrapping through a 3-2 win over defending Div. —

Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026 An Obama spokeswoman said the former president, a Democrat, had no response. —

Bill Barrow, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for response

Recent Examples of Synonyms for response

Noun

American Girl is announcing a new collection of its classic dolls, and the release is garnering reactions from fans online.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
In less than 24 hours, the zoo’s Facebook post announcing Nora had more than 5,000 reactions, 428 shares and 200 or so comments.

— Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of reaction

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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 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of response

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