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response

[ri-spons] / rɪˈspɒns /


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.

See Examples For:

In response, the AGs claim these tools were intended to provide a patina of safety but didn’t stop compulsive use.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 16, 2026

Predictably, the outspoken sports pundit, who also weighs in with sharp takes on politics and popular culture, is not pleased with the assessment and is planning a fiery response: “Now y’all started something.”

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 16, 2026

German automakers are ramping up cost-cutting measures in response to a sluggish European market, overcapacity in the EV sector, and the rising strength of Chinese rivals.

From Barron's Aug. 16, 2026

Although this response helps preserve that balance, maintaining it over long periods could have physiological effects.

From Science Daily Aug. 15, 2026

After sending the email in a moment of excitement, I get a response five minutes later.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Participants rated sycophantic AI responses significantly higher in quality and, after interacting with a more obsequious model, said they were more likely to return to the AI.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 16, 2026

In a late submission to the probe, launched in the wake of a series of patient deaths, Bradnam said there had been no "formal responses" to his complaints.

From BBC Aug. 16, 2026

In cancer research, they have been found to affect processes that include cancer metastasis and anti-tumor immune responses.

From Science Daily Aug. 15, 2026

The quake overwhelmed parts of the health system, turning the rescue effort into one of Colombia's largest disaster responses in years.

From Barron's Aug. 12, 2026

Another component of the method concerns improvisation, which helps students sharpen their spontaneous reactions and physical responses to music.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin




Vocabulary lists containing response


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