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

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 By leveraging Artisan’s unique local business targeting, integrating data from Google Maps, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google Reviews, SumUp receives 8–15 positive responses per week from previously unreachable local SMBs. Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Billboard has reached out to Weezer’s reps for more information, though no response was received at press time. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025 Sanchez-Roig said that, on average, a response time is less than a year. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 In fact, there were a number of indications that the flies, while largely driven by stereotypical responses to specific stimuli, weren't entirely slaves to instinct. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for response
Recent Examples of Synonyms for response
Noun
  • China is also heavily focused on the domestic reaction to the tariffs, with social media users this week widely reposting an April 7 editorial in the official People’s Daily warning against panic.
    Beijing and Washington Bureaus, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Sanchez also shared some behind-the-scenes video of people’s first reaction to the suit, walking into a room with fiancé and Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos, with people cheering the look.
    Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • An email sent to Comb’s representative by The Hollywood Reporter seeking comment did not receive an immediate reply on Wednesday.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Cancel reply 672 Wine Club Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the short answer either way was: Good God, yes!
    Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In contrast to the chunky, bedazzled pieces of years past, the 2025 answer to the belly ring is more subtle, incorporating thin, sleek shapes, dainty gemstones, and flipping the structure of the traditional barbell on its head.
    Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Response.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/response. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on response

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