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

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 response The fire, now one of Arizona's largest, destroyed a historic lodge and 100 other structures, prompting calls for investigations into the National Park Service's response. Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Regular incident response exercises should incorporate financial impact assessments. Dan Sorensen, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 The redistricting effort in California is in response to Texas, where Republican lawmakers are pushing new redistricting maps at President Donald Trump's request. Terry Collins, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025 The governor’s office directed the Sentinel to a post on DeSantis’ X account, which was a response to a tweet about the Orlando crosswalk’s removal. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for response
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
Noun
  • The performance, which garnered a robust reaction from the crowd, even got Ariana Grande to jump out of her seat as soon as Doja wrapped up on stage.
    Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • If not the most extreme reactions are fed.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, several replies provided introductions, and a couple even invited him to interview.
    John Palinkas, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The post, which was a reply to a fan, indicated that new merchandise is being prepared for her comeback at the upcoming WrestlePalooza premium live event.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Their answers to our questions are shared here.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • After a comeback in the second quarter, Trophy Club Byron Nelson had no answer in the third quarter.
    Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on response

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