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 Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about reply

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Synonyms for reply

Synonyms: Verb

react, respond

Synonyms: Noun

answer, reaction, response, take

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

The caveat: Most respondents to the survey, which was taken July 14 through Aug. 1, replied before the trade fight with China escalated. — Larry Edelman, BostonGlobe.com, "Are we on the verge of a recession? It’s unlikely — at least this year," 18 Aug. 2019 Along with duet videos, which let users add their own videos next to an existing clip, TikTok’s strategy of encouraging users to repurpose old videos to create new ones encouraged users to remix and reply to others, helping trends grow and evolve. — Dami Lee, The Verge, "TikTok turns one: its first 12 months, as told through TikToks," 2 Aug. 2019 Markle asked whether that advice would have been different if Obama had had sons instead of daughters, and Obama replied with a poignant response, invoking her own parents. — Julyssa Lopez, Glamour, "Meghan Markle’s Interview With Michelle Obama for British Vogue Is So Powerful," 29 July 2019 King replied no, but admitted to shooting Edenhoffer. — Bree Burkitt, azcentral, "DPS report reveals new details in final moments of slain Trooper Tyler Edenhofer," 17 July 2019 If Cornyn, Cruz and Marchant are going to reply and blame Democrats, forget it. — Dallas News, "Letters - Misled or forewarned? Readers give their take on the Mueller hearing," 4 Aug. 2019 Calls for the White House to release intelligence reports have gone unheeded, along with a deadline to reply to Congress as required under the U.S. Global Magnitsky Act. 2. — Wired Staff, WIRED, "One Free Press Coalition Spotlights Journalists Under Attack," 1 Aug. 2019 Calls for the White House to release intelligence reports have gone unheeded, along with a deadline to reply to Congress as required under the U.S. Global Magnitsky Act. 2. — Lydia Belanger, Fortune, "The 10 Most Urgent Press Freedom Cases Around the World," 1 Aug. 2019 Calls for the White House to release intelligence reports have gone unheeded, along with a deadline to reply to Congress as required under the U.S. Global Magnitsky Act. 2. — Time Staff, Time, "Here Are the 10 ‘Most Urgent’ Violations of Press Freedom Around the World," 1 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

An email to Warren’s Senate office seeking comment received no immediate reply. — Robert Gearty, Fox News, "Eight Covington Catholic teens file defamation lawsuit against Sen. Warren, others," 3 Aug. 2019 More Stories The Atlantic reached out for comment to FaceApp, but did not receive a reply by the time of publication. — Sidney Fussell, The Atlantic, "FaceApp Is Everyone’s Problem," 19 July 2019 Allen will hope his own math can finally start to add up in reply. — Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star, "Talent infusion, improved depth has Tom Allen betting on his IU football team like he never has before," 18 July 2019 Before traveling to the home, Dehoyos repeatedly sent text messages to the 20-year-old man and confronted him in person after not receiving a reply, Monahan said. — Rick Kambic, chicagotribune.com, "Mundelein man charged with attempted murder after firing gun during confrontation, police say," 16 July 2019 The Star reached out to three media representatives at the company but received no replies. — Mark Davis, kansascity, "Overland Park man was looking for an ‘easy job.’ He found a scam with ties to Russia," 30 May 2018 The conversation initiated by Sunset Heights neighborhood residents produced 19 replies, including equally curious neighbors within Oakdale, River Place, Woodfield, Broadway Heights, Caples Park, Minooka Park and Deer Path. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A 'huge' water main break in Waukesha severely reduced water pressure for residents on a hot and humid night," 18 July 2019 Wendy Sinnette said Wednesday the district immediately began interviewing candidates to find a suitable replacement for Hurley and were impressed by Pak’s long administrative experience and thoughtful replies to the interview questions. — Sara Cardine, La Cañada Valley Sun, "Saugus Union administrator Cory Pak replaces Karen Hurley at Palm Crest Elementary," 17 July 2019 Like many actual ransom notes, Wosar’s included a unique ID sequence, and instructed the victim to use it in any reply, the copy shows. — Renee Dudley, ProPublica, "Sting Catches Another Ransomware Firm — Red Mosquito — Negotiating With “Hackers”," 24 June 2019

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.