answer 1 of 2

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2
as in result
something attained by mental effort and especially by computation the answers to the odd-numbered problems are at the back of the book

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in reaction
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior a cold stare was her withering answer to that gratuitous insult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

answer

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction didn't answer right away when the detective asked him where he'd been for the last three hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer 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 response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, 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 answer
Noun
But while hiking shoes and sneakers might sound like the answer here, not every pair is, well, cute. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2025 Stranger still, the answer scarcely seems to matter. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Tira did not answer questions about CDFW’s jurisdiction clashing with city policy. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025 The same goes for answering anyone’s e-mails or texts in a timely fashion. Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for answer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer
Noun
  • Japanese stocks reached a record high in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s spending plans, although significant challenges remain for the Asian giant’s new leader.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Authorities were initially called to the home in response to a disconnected 911 call, but upon arrival, discovered the injured and unresponsive student.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The co-hosts announced the results —a combination of judges' scores and live votes — in no particular order.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Chegg also sued Google in February, arguing that AI summaries of search results have hurt its traffic and sales.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Others said that the OP should be less concerned with how her mother-in-law reacted and more concerned with how her future husband responded to the reaction.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The uptake of Lilly’s blockbuster GLP-1s — Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity — will drive the share price reaction on Thursday morning.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The in-depth interviews included questions about how people had responded to loan requests from family and friends.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Lauren Spors’ attorney Vincent Guimont did not respond to a request for comment.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Use the links and bonus codes that correspond with your state.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • One analysis notes national rail emits ~35 g CO₂e per kilometer, while average gasoline cars emit ~170 g - meaning that train travel can correspond to only ~20% of the carbon per person compared to driving.
    Chelsea Haney October 25, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Detectives have not identified a motive but said the arrests mark a major step in solving a killing that initially appeared to have few clues.
    Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But that was hardly the end of our fastidious, crime-solving genius.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What Happens Next Currie has ordered the Justice Department to respond to the disqualification motion by November 3, with the defense reply due a week later.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, many Department of Education employees who were furloughed were surprised to see a message blaming Democrats for the government shutdown inserted into their out-of-office replies.
    The NPR Network, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether the on-site power is a short or long-term solution for hyperscalers, Liberty has an answer.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a simple solution that makes patio lounging enjoyable in these cooler months, and that’s a patio heater.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/answer. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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