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

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 response Under President Biden, Zients had the high-stakes, thankless role of COVID response coordinator, helping lead the U.S. back. Axios, 17 Jan. 2025 In response to public pressure, CMPD doubled the size of its detective staff soon after Wallace’s arrest and also created a cold-case unit. Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025 When a balloon rises into the sky, the air inside will expand in response to the dropping atmospheric pressure and eventually pop. Ailsa Harvey, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for response 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
Noun
  • Reckoning had a major reaction to one particular scene in the movie, per GamesRadar.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
  • So the story of 2025’s Content Americas may well be producers’ and distributors’ reactions to that.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For more great recommendations, check out the replies to this post on Threads and this post on Bluesky.
    David Pierce, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Leave a hint, definition, poem, etymology or musing about today’s bonus words in the replies below.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • South Korea also can’t sustain a continued leadership vacuum that undermines economic confidence or leaves the country without answers to a second Trump administration.
    Victor Cha, Fortune Asia, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The following questions and answers are edited for clarity.
    Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near response

Cite this Entry

“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on response

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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