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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 The spread of false claims about the response to hurricanes Helene and Milton, many of them targeted at the Biden-Harris administration, also threatened to hinder recovery efforts following those disasters, government officials and response agencies said. —

Clare Duffy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 Thousands of soldiers are working with firefighters and police reinforcements in the immense emergency response. —

Hernán Muñoz and Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 The slow global response to COVID-19 caused over 7 million needless deaths and wiped out nearly a decade of global progress in improving life expectancy. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024 Having tied the all-time record for RBIs in a single World Series with 12, the first baseman’s response to questions on the feat was simple. —

Sam Joseph, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for response

Recent Examples of Synonyms for response

Noun

Read more about the reaction among current and former Justice Department officials.

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Hilariously, Bynum had his head in his iPhone after the game, basking in the reaction to his latest viral moment on social media.

Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 11 Nov. 2024