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 Syria has been under some level of US sanctions since 1979, with more sweeping ones imposed in 2011 in response to dictator Bashar al-Assad’s crackdown on protests. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 July 2025 Traditional media appears to be suffering from concerns large brands may pull back on advertising the back half of the year in response to various tariff worries and consumer spending trends. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025 The age rule was adopted in 1995 in response to Jennifer Capriati, a teenage tennis phenomenon who struggled with the pressure of competition at such a young age. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 1 July 2025 Trump Warns Iran To Make Peace or Face Further Strikes Satellite Images Show Israeli Strike Damage to Iranian Nuclear Site That relief in the market was only temporary as after Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil chokepoint, in response to the U.S. strikes. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for response
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
Noun
  • While nobody in college football is condoning that type of reaction from fans, the emotions of losing The Game are what will keep it relevant even in an era when the stakes aren’t as high, Carpenter said.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • Motor skills have declined further, reaction times have slowed and decision-making has deteriorated.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Treasury Secretary gave a blunt reply when asked to respond to Elon Musk's criticism of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • To the police detectives who visit his school, teen behavior is a cipher to be decoded, almost literally: their breakthrough arrives when the lead detective’s young son takes pity on his dad and tells him what all the emojis in Jamie’s Instagram replies mean.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • According to Jackson, the answer doesn’t have to be too complicated.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 5 July 2025
  • Trivia Answer The answer is (A) Illinois. Since 1942, Illinois residents have crossed state lines into border states to stock up on fireworks.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on response

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