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 battle in France, and elsewhere, between two concepts of the state—one liberal and democratic, the other rooted in blood, faith, and soil—was mirrored in Jewish responses to antisemitism. Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 The figures come as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gets ready to meet this week to discuss how to boost regional trade, and prepare a unified response to the US, with experts warning ASEAN nations may be pivoting toward Beijing. semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025 When, in response, Carr suggested that the companies owning local broadcast stations should take action, Nexstar and Sinclair, which lay claim to a large number of the ABC affiliates, pulled Kimmel's show. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025 The aircraft will also have civilian energy, aerospace, and emergency response applications. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for response
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
Noun
  • But while men and women can have a similar response to cold plunges, there are a few differences in their reactions.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Clearly, Amorim’s words after Grimsby were designed to provoke a reaction.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • When speaking to Associated Press, Parsons was asked about his plans to sack Prescott, and shared a strong four-word reply.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Her reply brimmed with enthusiasm.
    Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The answer, experts say, is more complicated than any algorithm.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Others were related to the actual content of the courses, such as a school that used a curriculum that included inaccurate information about permissible blood-alcohol levels for drivers and another school that provided students with answers to final exam questions in advance.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on response

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