Synonyms of response

response

noun

ri-ˈspän(t)s 

1

as in reaction

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 & Similar Words

• reaction
• answer
• reply
• take
• backlash
• reflex
• rebound
• recoil
• revulsion
• kickback
• counterreaction
• rise
• counterresponse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• action
• effect
• behavior
• cause

2

as in reply

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question

the real estate office's unhelpful response to my question about what houses in the area are renting for

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reply
• answer
• reaction
• return
• retort
• remark
• rejoinder
• comment
• feedback
• explanation
• observation
• replication
• communication
• comeback
• rebuttal
• acknowledgment
• justification
• refutation
• banter
• back talk
• correspondence
• defense
• plea
• non sequitur
• persiflage
• repartee

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• question
• inquiry
• query
• challenge
• charge
• interrogation
• survey
• questionnaire
• quiz
• poll
• interrogatory
• cross-examination
• grilling

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

Recent Examples of response

Even with all the assistance coming from the United States, which has pledged $150 million to emergency aid, and international organizations, Venezuelans have reported that their government has not had a robust response to the earthquakes. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a longtime South Florida political figure, has been personally engaged in the response. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026

This shift is centered on pharmacogenomics, which leverages an individual's unique genetic makeup to predict drug responses. — Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

The substation is intended to improve patrol response times and provide a walk-in location for records requests, crime reporting, and civil filings. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026