answer 1 of 2

1
2
as in result
something attained by mental effort and especially by computation the answers to the odd-numbered problems are at the back of the book

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in reaction
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior a cold stare was her withering answer to that gratuitous insult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

answer

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction didn't answer right away when the detective asked him where he'd been for the last three hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words 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

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer 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 response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of answer
Noun
In Baltimore, as elsewhere, the answers have changed over time. Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025 If the answer is yes, then by all means bring it along. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
Verb
By then, at least 80% of electronic prior authorization approvals with all necessary clinical documents will be answered in real time, the release said. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 23 June 2025 Meanwhile, other legacy Chicago banks have answered the call for consolidation, a process that has accelerated during the new millennium. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for answer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer
Noun
  • Trump Warns Iran To Make Peace or Face Further Strikes Satellite Images Show Israeli Strike Damage to Iranian Nuclear Site That relief in the market was only temporary as after Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil chokepoint, in response to the U.S. strikes.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • The council memo was also written in response to Aubrey’s request to access records on all use-of-force cases, rather than its current allotment of incidents that lead to a shooting or serious bodily injury.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • That study has enrolled only nine patients, however, and the results so far show that just one patient’s tumor actually shrank, according to a recent scientific abstract.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 June 2025
  • Monday night’s 6-3 loss to the Dodgers brought mixed results.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • After meetings or conversations, reflect on your reactions, feelings and decisions.
    Nathalie Blais, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The reaction among national Democrats has been noticeably cautious.
    Nik Popli, Time, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The spokesperson for Silicon Ranch did not respond to follow-up requests for comment over the land deal.
    Lucas Dufalla, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2025
  • Lawyers for OpenAI did not respond to The News’ requests for comment.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • These bags are super easy to use: Just toss in your bottles, add the water and seal it up, and microwave for the length of time that corresponds with your microwave’s power.
    Olivia Campbell, Parents, 24 June 2025
  • California State University redacted the identities of those five witnesses that corresponded with Heaphy and May during the investigation in the public records provided to Fox News Digital.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Honor solves this problem by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) directly into its operations.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • After watching Ironheart, viewers will be challenged by the notion that talent and aspirations alone aren't enough to solve every problem.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Ditch canned replies and invest time in understanding their unique challenges.
    Samuel Darwin, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Then came a short break because of rain before play resumed to more cheers from the Indian contingent, as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed opener Zak Crawley inside the opening over of England’s reply.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Importantly, the polymer materials dissolve in standard conservation solutions, allowing future removal of the mask without damaging the original work.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
  • However, all these solutions feel more like rearranging deck chairs rather than positioning the Hurricanes closer to their championship goal.
    Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 20 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/answer. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on answer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!