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

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

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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

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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 Emergency services can also be notified in parallel, resulting in faster responses. — Lee-Lean Shu, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 United was asked to confirm these new routes, and this article will be updated if a response is given. — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Rabbitt said that two welfare checks were made on June 13 and June 17, but got no response. — Matt Foster, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Paul, a libertarian and longtime skeptic of the federal government’s response to the pandemic, has accused Fauci of covering up the origin of COVID-19 and referred him to the Justice Department multiple times under the Biden administration. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for response

Recent Examples of Synonyms for response

Noun

Iran did not offer any immediate public reaction to the announcement.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Solo Sikoa received a huge face reaction in his tag team victory, while Nick Aldis was reinstated as SmackDown GM despite a loss to Gunther.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of reaction

Noun

Based upon their replies, occupying Allied officials ranked their culpability, then tried the worst offenders — most famously in the Nuremberg trials, but also in numerous local tribunals.

— Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
The most common replies were being mentally sharp and clear, being free of serious illness or disease, financial stability, emotional well-being, living independently, having energy to do enjoyable things, and being strong, mobile and active.

— Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of reply

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respond (to)

response

responses

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“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of response

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