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.

All of which explains the two factors that surely have shaped Mr. Starmer’s embarrassing nonresponse in recent days to the Iran conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

As with all surveys, additional sources of error may exist, including nonresponse, question wording and post-survey adjustments.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2026

In 2022, we did an experiment to try to measure the effect nonresponse has on our phone polls.

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2024

Graham displayed not a shred of empathy for Beasley in his nonresponse and appeared to deny having any responsibility to address the practical implications of his bill.

From Slate • Nov. 4, 2022

She’ll insist on going through the box with me, but then she shows up late and gives me a sassy nonresponse to explain herself.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

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