Synonyms of response

response

noun

ri-ˈspän(t)s 

1

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reaction
• answer
• reply
• take
• backlash
• reflex
• rebound
• recoil
• revulsion
• kickback
• counterreaction
• rise
• counterresponse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• action
• effect
• behavior
• cause

2

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

• reply
• answer
• reaction
• return
• retort
• remark
• rejoinder
• comment
• acknowledgement
• feedback
• explanation
• observation
• replication
• communication
• comeback
• rebuttal
• acknowledgment
• justification
• refutation
• banter
• back talk
• correspondence
• defense
• plea
• non sequitur
• persiflage
• repartee

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• question
• inquiry
• query
• challenge
• charge
• interrogation
• survey
• questionnaire
• quiz
• poll
• interrogatory
• cross-examination
• grilling

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of response

This response keeps things positive while steering the conversation away from the idea without dismissing it outright. —Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

The husband’s cavalier response is also something that needs to be addressed in therapy. —Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025

In response to safety concerns and to prevent looting, a curfew was implemented in the most heavily affected areas until 6 a.m. Saturday. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025

But his cuts are imperiling the city’s landslide response. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025