REPLY Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reply 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈplī

Definition of reply

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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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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2 of 2

noun

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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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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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

Paramount spokespeople did not reply to a request for comment Friday on the ticking fee. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 July 2026 Kroger did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Noun

Evidently, some of it was pretty heated, with dozens of replies removed by moderators. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 July 2026 The message from Stenberg that preceded Adeyemi’s reply was not shown in full. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reply

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

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

Verb

Days after hearing of Holloway’s death from breast cancer at 79 on July 18, according to her nephew, Miami Dade College students reacted.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
The Stand by Me alum reacted to claims Giuliana made about the end of their relationship in her 2016 memoir Off Script.

— Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026

Definition of react

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replumbs

replying

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“Reply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reply. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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