reply 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈplī How to pronounce reply (audio)
Definition of replynext
1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reply

2 of 2

noun

1
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
2
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
Speaking in the post-race press conference, Norris replied to Russell's 2026 remark, citing an example from last year's season opener, hinting that the season had only just begun and things could change quickly. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 Chih replied just as shots rang out, according to the videos. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
This $25 Million Mansion Is the Largest of Just 8 Estates in an Exclusive Dallas Neighborhood Comments Loading comments... Cancel reply 672 Wine Club Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025 When asked about the possibility of a recession, Trump demurred — in a reply that sparked this week's market turmoil. —Maria Aspan, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reply
  1. respond
  2. answer
  3. response
  4. react
  5. reaction
Verb
  • UnitedHealthcare did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Trying To Make Your Partner Jealous Some individuals might respond to jealousy by trying to trigger it in their partner—flirting with others, bringing up past relationships or exaggerating attention from someone else.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of respond
Verb
  • Plus, an expert PEOPLE editor answers the burning question of the week, and one of our favorite stars joins us for a sitdown.
    — Staff Author, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • That question will be answered pretty soon, as these technologies make their way to market.
    — John Werner, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of answer
Noun
  • Amazon said its lawsuit comes in response to a final order filed by the CPSC on January 17.
    — Kate Gibson, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Heart tissue is remodeled in response to a heart attack or high blood pressure.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of response
Verb
  • In a statement provided to Rolling Stone, Semisonic reacted to seeing their song about a tipsy last call repurposed as nativist propaganda.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The second is to what extent the FOMC should react to any one-off tariff impact on inflation, since the FOMC’s goal is managing the overall level of inflation and not necessarily reacting to specific tariffs.
    — Simon Moore, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of react
Noun
  • Common side effects from vaginal moisturizers can include, allergic reactions, skin irritation, and yeast infections.
    — Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While sharing memories of his experiences across his filmography, Fassbender recalls that his horse had a stimulating reaction to his presence.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of reaction

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Cite this Entry

“Reply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reply. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of reply for Spanish Speakers

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