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answer

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of answer

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question

the standard answer of "Fine, thank you" when asked, "How are you?"

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2 something attained by mental effort and especially by computation

the answers to the odd-numbered problems are at the back of the book

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clue,
key

3 action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior

a cold stare was her withering answer to that gratuitous insult

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rebound

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cause,
effect

answer

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of answer (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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

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2 to be in agreement on every point

sorry, I haven't seen anyone answering to that description

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Phrases Synonymous with answer

fall in with

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3 to do what is required by the terms of

I don't have a box cutter as such, but will this knife answer the purpose?

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default (on)

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4 to find an answer for through reasoning

try to answer this riddle

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Frequently Asked Questions About answer

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

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