Main Entry: ¹an·swer

Pronunciation: \ˈan(t)-sər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English andswaru (akin to Old Norse andsvar answer); akin to Old English and- against, swerian to swear — more at ante-

Date: before 12th century

1 a : something spoken or written in reply to a question b : a correct response <knows the answer>
2 : a reply to a legal charge or suit : plea; also : defense
3 : something done in response or reaction <his only answer was to walk out>
4 : a solution of a problem <more money is not the answer>
5 : one that imitates, matches, or corresponds to another <television's answer to the news magazines>

synonyms answer, response, reply, rejoinder, retort 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>. 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>. reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised <a point-by-point reply to the accusation>. rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection <a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument>. 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>.