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 Calming involves controlling your internal biological responses, such as lowering your heart rate and breathing rate, and modulating your outward behavior. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 In response to complaints last year about a student speaker who criticized Israel, the university required that some student graduation speeches be recorded ahead of time, a requirement that didn’t apply to speakers like Haidt. —

Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026 Such responses could include rental assistance, support for utility payments and security deposits, transportation support, support for mental health and substance abuse struggles and other services. —

Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026 The response was swift, loud, and chaotic. —

Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for response

Recent Examples of Synonyms for response

Noun

General Daily Insight for May 15, 2026 A calm response does more than a quick reaction today.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
And yet, by the time Enzo (Diego Murgia), a kindhearted and still boyish 19-year-old, can no longer conceal what’s been brewing inside him, his reaction still lands with soul crushing force.

— Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 15 May 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 20 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of response

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