Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

response

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of response

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

  • my response to my first boxing defeat was to train even harder
Synonyms of response

answer, reaction, reply, take
Words Related to response

backlash, kickback

rebound

recoil, reflex

revulsion, rise

counterreaction, counterresponse
Near Antonyms of response

action, behavior

cause, effect

2 something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question

  • the real estate officeʼs unhelpful response to my question about what houses in the area are renting for
Synonyms of response

answer, comeback, rejoinder, replication, reply, retort, return
Words Related to response

back talk, banter, persiflage, repartee

acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), comment, communication, correspondence, feedback, non sequitur, observation, reaction, remark

defense, explanation, justification, plea, rebuttal, refutation
Near Antonyms of response

challenge, charge, cross-examination, grilling, interrogation, interrogatory, quiz

poll, questionnaire, survey
Antonyms of response

inquiry, query, question

Synonym Discussion of response

answer, response, reply, rejoinder, retort 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
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
reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.
    • a point-by-point reply to the accusation
rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.
    • a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument
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

Learn More about response

  1. Dictionary: Definition of response Medical Dictionary: Definition of response Spanish Central: Translation of response Nglish: Translation of response for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of response for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about response

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up response? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games