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as in to respond
to act or behave in response (as to a stimulus or influence) replied to the news that she had won the scholarship by jumping around the room and cheering

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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reply

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun reply differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reply are answer, rejoinder, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

Where would answer be a reasonable alternative to reply?

Although the words answer and reply have much in common, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

When can rejoinder be used instead of reply?

The meanings of rejoinder and reply largely overlap; however, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When is response a more appropriate choice than reply?

The words response and reply can be used in similar contexts, but 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 retort be a good substitute for reply?

In some situations, the words retort and reply are roughly equivalent. However, 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 reply
Verb
Netflix reps hadn’t replied to a request for comment as of publication time. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025 Right column: Inner-mom replies with reassurance, limits, or next steps. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 2 May 2025
Noun
Her comment section flooded with congratulatory messages, including replies from peers like Latto, Tia Corine, Reginae Carter, Anycia, and fellow moms Kalii and Halle Bailey. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The vague reply was that the funding is yet to be allocated. Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reply
Verb
  • The French government responded Wednesday by stating Jones and pro-Putin propagandists like Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova were misrepresenting a tissue as being a bag of blow.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
  • Officials from the Lakewood station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said deputies responded to a call about a carjacking in the 8800 block of Alondra Boulevard on Monday afternoon.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The spokesperson did not immediately answer the AP's questions regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agency's role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Service's control of the island.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 4 May 2025
  • But his rebuke of Trump's policies answered one of Wall Street's biggest questions of this weekend: Would Buffett weigh in on the trade war and its massive disruptions?
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Zelenskyy named his defense minister to lead the talks in response.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 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
Verb
  • Wirtz makes his signature sudden sprint to receive a pass, with his marker, Pablo Barrios, slow to react.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The researchers then started KJ on an immune-suppressing treatment to make sure his immune system wouldn't react to the gene-editing therapy.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Days later, following a negative market reaction, the administration announced a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs, though the baseline rate remained.
    James Bickerton Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • How to Stream the Oscar-Winning Movie Social media users shared humorous reactions to the scene of the curious seagulls.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reply. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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