reply

verb

re·ply | \ri-ˈplī

replied; replying

Definition of reply

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to respond in words or writing

b : echo, resound

c : to make a legal replication

2 : to do something in response specifically : to return gunfire or an attack

transitive verb

: to give as an answer

noun

plural replies

Definition of reply (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : something said, written, or done in answer or response

2 : replication sense 1b(2)

Other Words from reply Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about reply

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Choose the Right Synonym for reply

Noun

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

Examples of reply in a Sentence

Verb

I called out to them, but no one replied. He didn't reply to her greeting. The company has replied to the recent protests by posting an ad in the local newspaper. She replied to the accusation with a stack of documents proving her innocence. He replied politely that he felt a little better.

Noun

A timely reply will be appreciated. The invitations have been sent, but we haven't received any replies yet. I asked her what was wrong. In reply, she handed me a letter. He wrote a brief note in reply to her letter.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Ariana confirmed that she's gotten engaged to Davidson at the start of June, by replying to her fans on Twitter who'd been congratulating her about the relationship rumors. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson Have Ended Their Engagement and I'm Already Crying," 14 Oct. 2018 After reporting the incidents to HR and receiving what the lawsuit alleges was an inadequate response, Anaya contacted co-founder McKelvey directly about the January incident, the suit claims, but McKelvey never replied. — Shirin Ghaffary, Recode, "A former WeWork employee is suing the company over alleged sexual assaults fueled by ‘frat-boy culture’," 12 Oct. 2018 Kim was the first to comment about it, replying back to Younes' response after the photos of him leaked. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Kim and Khloe Kardashian Slam Younes Bendjima After Kourtney Kardashian Split," 8 Aug. 2018 Horrific’ Airport Body Search The post quickly picked up attention on social media, and hundreds of fans replied to Francis to express condolences and criticize the TSA. — Jason Duaine Hahn, PEOPLE.com, "New York Giants Player Accuses TSA of Spilling His Mom’s Ashes During Luggage Search," 10 July 2018 Users began replying to Blair with intense interest, many waiting in suspense for each of her next updates. — Kelli Stacy, courant.com, "Former UConn Soccer Player Euan Holden Part Of Viral Twitter Thread About In-Flight Romance," 6 July 2018 In replying to the dioceses’ challenge, Krumenacker’s ruling revealed that the 40th statewide investigating grand jury was directly picking up unfinished business from a predecessor whose term expired in January 2016. — Peter Smith, Philly.com, "Two Pa. dioceses tried to block grand jury probe into clergy sex abuse, documents show," 29 June 2018 Anderson replied no, despite there being a piece of a leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana on his shirt. — Madeleine Marr, miamiherald, "He was pulled over for missing tail lights. Then a deputy looked under the seat.," 27 June 2018 Publicly, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Racheldoesstuff/status/1006000777662423040 Harris replied with an oh, right! thought bubble so unapologetic that some people thought the duo were doing an off-kilter social media bit. — Devon Ivie, GQ, "Neil Patrick Harris Apologized to Rachel Bloom for Being Oblivious," 13 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The replies are so overwhelming that Sakasegawa has muted his Twitter notifications. — Abby Ohlheiser, BostonGlobe.com, "Why did the lemon go viral?," 12 July 2018 Both the original post and the reply have since been deleted. — Dan Sweeney, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Kavasutra Kava Bar serves its libations with a side of sexism and transphobia that has social media enraged," 10 July 2018 Pretty soon, whiskey and gin may get the same reply. — Liz Biro, Indianapolis Star, "Sun King Distillery in Carmel: What to know before you go," 3 July 2018 On Monday, the company was tweeting replies to individuals who were outraged by Arteaga’s post. — Melissa Daniels, The Seattle Times, "Pharmacist denies woman miscarriage drug on moral grounds," 26 June 2018 Newsweek reached out to the Pabst Brewing Company for comment but did not receive an immediate reply. — James Tennent, Newsweek, "Man Sues Pabst Brewers Alleging Olympia Beer's 'It's the Water' Is False Advertising," 21 Mar. 2018 The New York Times reached out repeatedly to Strider for comment, but has yet to receive a reply. — Jennifer Lance, Glamour, "Hillary Clinton Allegedly Protected Campaign Adviser Accused of Sexual Misconduct: Report," 27 Jan. 2018 The cruise ship owners have filed a reply denying that their flooring presents a risk. — Fox News, "Cruise passenger suing over no-slip floor that caused cornhole injury," 10 July 2018 Kevin Lyman, the festival's founder, responded on Twitter and was met with a respectful reply from Head. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, "Founder of Warped Tour Responds to Korn's Brian 'Head' Welch's Criticism," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reply.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.