Definitions

response

[ri-spons] / rɪˈspɒns /

NOUN

answer, reaction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

feedback reply return

STRONG

acknowledgment antiphon comeback counter echo hit kickback lip rejoinder retort reverberation riposte sass vibes wisecrack

WEAK

back talk double-take knee-jerk reaction respond snappy comeback

Antonyms

STRONGEST

question request

STRONG

failure

WEAK

asking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for response?

A response is a reply or an answer—something said or done after someone else has said or done something. Like response, reply and answer can be used in the context of verbal responses (such as in speech or writing) as well as actions. The word acknowledgement refers to a response that simply acknowledges an initial message or action (as opposed to one that consists of new information or an action on the part of the one responding). Some responses come in the form of feedback. A reply to a comment—especially a quick and witty reply—is sometimes called a comeback, retort, rejoinder, or riposte. A response to an invitation is popularly called an RSVP, an abbreviation of the French phrase répondez s'il vous plaît, meaning “please respond.” In military and sports contexts, the word response is sometimes used as a general way of referring to a counterattack or counterstroke.

What is a more formal word for response?

Response is perhaps slightly more formal than its synonyms answer and reply, but there isn’t a more formal word that is commonly used. The more formal word rejoinder is sometimes used in specific legal contexts. A formal (as in an official) response is sometimes called a formal reply or an official reply.

What is the opposite (antonym) of response?

The opposite of a response is a nonresponse—when someone doesn’t reply or answer at all. The term lack of response is often used. In another sense, the opposite of a response could be thought of as the initial question, statement, comment, email, etc.—since this is what the response responds to.

Is it responce or response?

Response is spelled with an s, which you can also see in the related words responsive, responsible, and responsibility.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I’ve been studying Community Emergency Response Team training,” the actor-musician, 41, said, drinking coffee in the living room of her home overlooking pomegranate trees and a canyon in northeast L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Response rates to surveys have fallen sharply, from over 30% in the 1990s to below 5% today, according to AI consultant Stéphane Le Brun.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Around 25,000 troops from 14 countries including the United States are taking part in the Cold Response exercise, held every two years and aimed at training together in extreme winter conditions.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

That incident, along with a New York Times investigative series into deaths from U.S. airstrikes, spurred the adoption of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response action plan in 2022.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

“But Response was good,” Chacko prompted, trying to speak in the same idiom.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

response

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing response

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 7

response

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing response

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 7