replies; replied; replying
: to say, write, or do something as an answer or response
I wrote to him, but he never replied. [=wrote back]
He never replied [=responded] to my letter/e-mail/invitation.
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.
"Do you feel better?" "A little," he replied. [=answered]
He replied politely that he felt a little better.
plural replies
: something said, written, or done as an answer or response
A timely reply will be appreciated.
His reply was rude.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Reply.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reply. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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