ANSWER Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

answer 1 of 2

noun

ˈan(t)-sər

Definition of answer

as in response

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question the standard answer of "Fine, thank you" when asked, "How are you?"

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Relevance

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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

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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

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answer

2 of 2

verb

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to correspond

to be in agreement on every point sorry, I haven't seen anyone answering to that description

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as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of I don't have a box cutter as such, but will this knife answer the purpose?

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as in to solve

to find an answer for through reasoning try to answer this riddle

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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

If the answer swings on how the question was phrased, the model is not measuring anything about the match. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Throughout this long journey, our partners at the Baltimore Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, and the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office never stopped pursuing answers. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Verb

While the Raiders are still a rebuilding team and have other questions to answer, being elite against the run would ensure every game is competitive. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Thomas answered with a layup with four seconds to go but time ran out. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for answer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer

Noun

Outside experts have speculated that the agencies’ sluggish responses to the outbreak may stem from harsh budget and staffing cuts, along with widespread upheaval at the agencies.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
In a note yesterday, Hatzius highlighted that markets over- or under-reacting to data points may confound the very response the Fed is watching closely.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of response

Noun

Shell’s results were the highest since the second quarter of 2022, weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

— Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
So, what exactly are AI tokens, how does AI tokenomics work, and when should businesses stop counting tokens and focus on results?

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of result

Verb

Myocarditis, in particular, has been most typically seen in adolescent and young adult males within a week of their second mRNA Covid vaccine dose, but the CDC says that most patients respond well to medicine and rest and feel better quickly.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
This time, investors also responded positively to the company’s results.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of respond

Verb

On Tuesday, the Cardinals optioned right-hander Hunter Dobbins to Triple-A immediately after a harsh outing against the Chicago Cubs, a move that corresponded with the addition of a new reliever.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

Definition of correspond

Verb

But this roadside stop actually specializes in Korean cuisine, which fulfilled owners Starrlite and David DeCook’s desire to bring more diversity to the area.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Graham is serving in an interim role to fulfill her brother's current term.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of fulfill

Verb

Someone can produce a great deal of visible output while solving the wrong problem.

— Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Acting on a risk assessment before that risk has materialized requires political willpower; just having better data, or even better analyses, doesn’t wholly solve that problem.

— Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of solve

Noun

There was a July 29 deadline for people to submit oppositions to the petitions to deny ABC’s license renewals, and there is an August 5 deadline for replies to the opposition filings.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026
Steve Kang needed to return to Korea to be with his mother, Koco Bell wrote in a reply on its Instagram page.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026

Definition of reply

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answer

answerability

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Style

“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/answer. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of answer

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verb

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noun

verb

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