ANSWER Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'answer' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder , reply , response , and retort . While all these words 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

Q: Where would 'rejoinder' be a reasonable alternative to 'answer'?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection. // a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Q: When would 'reply' be a good substitute for 'answer'?

The meanings of reply and answer largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised. // a point-by-point reply to the accusation

Q: When might 'response' be a better fit than 'answer'?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: In what contexts can 'retort' take the place of 'answer'?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, 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

answer 1 of 2

noun

ˈan(t)-sər

Definition of answer next

as in response

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question the standard answer of "Fine, thank you" when asked, "How are you?"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in result

something attained by mental effort and especially by computation the answers to the odd-numbered problems are at the back of the book

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in reaction

action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior a cold stare was her withering answer to that gratuitous insult

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

answer

2 of 2

verb

as in to respond

to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction didn't answer right away when the detective asked him where he'd been for the last three hours

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to correspond

to be in agreement on every point sorry, I haven't seen anyone answering to that description

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fulfil

to do what is required by the terms of I don't have a box cutter as such, but will this knife answer the purpose?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to solve

to find an answer for through reasoning try to answer this riddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words 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

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer 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 response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, 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

Examples 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 answer

Noun

The Nets had no answers in Wednesday’s 59-point loss to the Clippers, but Friday’s matchup against the Lakers played out much differently with a healthy D’Angelo Russell in the fold, even with Cam Johnson still sidelined because of a right ankle sprain. —

C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2025 Of all the 15-letter answers in this puzzle, this is the only debut entry. —

Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Verb

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was asked about the team’s remaining 2024 bonus pool in a news conference ahead of the World Series, but declined to answer the question, declaring his attention was on the team’s upcoming matchup with the New York Yankees. —

Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 Though there's been a Change.org petition to bring them back since 2017, McDonald's hasn't answered the call. —

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for answer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer

Noun

The agency finally posted draft rules late last year in response to a lawsuit filed by an environmental group, the Florida Springs Council.

— Greg Allen, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025
The Internet's reaction The post saw many applauding the OP's firm response.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025