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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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reply

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noun

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

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 reply
Verb
The Social Security Administration did not immediately reply to WIRED’s request for comment. Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025 To this, Pascal replies: A farmer wants to be able to tend his land … just as his father and grandfather and his great-grandfather had done before him. Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
This $25 Million Mansion Is the Largest of Just 8 Estates in an Exclusive Dallas Neighborhood Comments Loading comments... Cancel reply 672 Wine Club Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025 When asked about the possibility of a recession, Trump demurred — in a reply that sparked this week's market turmoil. Maria Aspan, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reply
Verb
  • French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad said a trade war isn't the goal, but the EU will respond more forcefully if needed.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The disclosure came in filings from the Manhattan district attorney’s office responding to requests by Mangione’s lawyers ahead of his trial on murder and terror offenses stemming from the Dec. 4 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Acknowledgment of past drug use doesn't necessarily bar people from entering or staying in the country, but answering untruthfully can have serious consequences.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • When asked whether the boys would be tried as adults, the Office of the Second Judicial District Attorney in New Mexico declined to answer, citing the active investigation.
    Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • President Donald Trump offered U.S. support to Southeast Asia in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, but his administration's previous cuts to foreign aid could impede the response.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Star sports commentator Pat McAfee loudly lambasted the Canadian fans for booing and the country as a whole in response during the Peacock broadcast.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • See list of the closures in 15 states Internet reacts with memes and jokes after journalist added to national security group chat A fitness influencer's elaborate 'morning routine' goes viral.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Will Smith reacted by walking up on stage and slapping Rock across the face.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Unfortunately, her own post didn't show that ideal, gleeful reaction.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Common side effects from vaginal moisturizers can include, allergic reactions, skin irritation, and yeast infections.
    Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reply. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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