answer 1 of 2

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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

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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

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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
Some answers could also be in the hundreds of documents filed by prosecutors and defense lawyers that have been under seal and out of public view starting in 2022. Ed White, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 The eye of the storm was open, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanding answers. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 July 2025
Verb
That might be manually answering the same customer questions, rewriting similar emails or organizing data that never quite gets used. Bernardo Martinez, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 These are critical questions every firm must answer to lay the groundwork for confidence during uncertain times. Amy Bjarnason, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for answer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer
Noun
  • This appears to be in response to longstanding criticism from patient and healthcare provider groups that the process of getting pre-approval from health plans for reimbursement of healthcare services and technologies is too onerous.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The age rule was adopted in 1995 in response to Jennifer Capriati, a teenage tennis phenomenon who struggled with the pressure of competition at such a young age.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The results give key findings from over 265 health tests, identify more than 365 dog breeds, and provide insights into genetics and ancestry.
    Molly Higgins, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • The result was many remaining employees feeling overworked and underpaid with less assistance.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Motor skills have declined further, reaction times have slowed and decision-making has deteriorated.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Internet users have lauded Cairo's reaction to the water, with many hoping he gets adopted by someone with an even bigger pool to enjoy.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Officers responded to area of West Gate and Middle Street around 7 p.m. on Saturday for a crash involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle, according to the Bristol Police Department.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
  • The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said the responding agencies were the Metro Nashville Police and Fire Departments, Tennessee Highway Patrol, La Vergne Police Department, Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • That corresponded to images shot Sunday by Maxar Technologies similarly showing the ongoing work.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
  • Instead, subscribers answer questions online, correspond with medical professionals virtually and get the prescribed drugs in visually pleasing packages delivered discreetly to their homes.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • No matter what happens, USC’s next president will have a serious financial crisis to solve, a furious faculty to calm and a tense political climate to navigate.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
  • That’s the demand problem that PJM is focused on, which is not Maryland’s problem to solve.
    David S. Lapp, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Treasury Secretary gave a blunt reply when asked to respond to Elon Musk's criticism of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • To the police detectives who visit his school, teen behavior is a cipher to be decoded, almost literally: their breakthrough arrives when the lead detective’s young son takes pity on his dad and tells him what all the emojis in Jamie’s Instagram replies mean.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • These solutions include providing teachers with the tools and science for improving literacy, family engagement.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • Leave the solution on for a few minutes to loosen dirt and product build-up.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/answer. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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