response

noun

ri-ˈspän(t)s How to pronounce response (audio)
Definition of responsenext
1
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
2
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

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 Some of that stuff has been out there, but what’s missing from it is not only the other tracks, obviously, but the response of the audience. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025 The Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is leading this investigation with the assistance of a crime response specialist. —Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025 This requires nimble responses, perfect timing, and unwavering execution. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025 This is a massive change from the rapid price increases that Austin reported between 2020 and 2022, when demand surged in response to the rise of remote work and domestic migration to the vibrant Southern city. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for response
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
  1. reaction
  2. reply
  3. answer
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
Definition of reaction
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
Definition of reply
Noun
  • The Buffalo Bills have been knocking on the door of Super Bowl Sunday for years, but have yet to receive an answer.
    — Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The short answer is no, stress isn't considered a direct cause of brain aneurysms.
    — Sohaib Imtiaz, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of answer

Browse Nearby Words

respond (to)
response
responses
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on response

Nglish: Translation of response for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about response

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