REPLY Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of reply are answer , rejoinder , response , and retort . While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised. // a point-by-point reply to the accusation

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

Although the words answer and reply have much in common, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need. // had answers to all their questions

Q: When can 'rejoinder' be used instead of 'reply'?

The meanings of rejoinder and reply largely overlap; however, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection. // a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Q: When is 'response' a more appropriate choice than 'reply'?

The words response and reply can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When would 'retort' be a good substitute for 'reply'?

In some situations, the words retort and reply are roughly equivalent. However, 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

reply 1 of 2

verb

ri-ˈplī

Definition of reply next

as in to respond

to act or behave in response (as to a stimulus or influence) replied to the news that she had won the scholarship by jumping around the room and cheering

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to answer

to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction please reply to my question at your earliest convenience

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2 of 2

noun

as in response

action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior decided the best reply to a wrongful discharge from employment was a lawsuit claiming discrimination

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in answer

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question I look forward to your reply to my request

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun reply differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reply are answer, rejoinder, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

Where would answer be a reasonable alternative to reply?

Although the words answer and reply have much in common, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

When can rejoinder be used instead of reply?

The meanings of rejoinder and reply largely overlap; however, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When is response a more appropriate choice than reply?

The words response and reply can be used in similar contexts, but 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 retort be a good substitute for reply?

In some situations, the words retort and reply are roughly equivalent. However, 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 reply

Verb

Familiar with the ups and downs of the writing life, as well as Hobson’s insecurities, Carroll replied with the enthusiasm that Hobson needed. —

Rachel Gordan, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025 Full Schedule Hegseth Faces Tough Questions on Past Behavior During Confirmation Hearing Pete Hegseth Senate Confirmation Hearing: How to Watch and What to Know When asked by Hawaii Democrat Mazie Hirono about the settlement, Hegseth replied that he was falsely accused. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

Noun

Smith gave another curt reply when asked about the play. —

Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Confusion and frustration followed in the replies, which included the allegation that Hay and Mayo had deleted parts of a community Discord channel where investors gathered. —

Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reply

Verb

The state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad also responded to the scene.

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2025
The officer responded and was flagged down by witnesses who reported that Jamarion Plummer, 25, had been shot at his home in the 1000 block of North Main Street.

Daniel McFadin, arkansasonline.com, 13 Jan. 2025