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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:

Your response may be included in an upcoming Los Angeles Times story or lead to a phone interview.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

"What would have happened if they had woken me? This would not have happened," he said, suggesting that his response would have better protected Israel from the attacks.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

When the researchers used a specific antagonist to block the receptor, the inflammatory response in human brain tissue dropped significantly.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 7, 2026

In response to a request for comment from the Journal, an OpenAI spokesperson shared part of a staff memo from a research leader sent on Wednesday that addressed the fired employees’ letter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

They were standing in shadow, so he could not see them, but he lifted the torch high in response to their shouts.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

It has a survey open which has received 70 responses and identified 16 different UK airports where people have reported negative stoma-related incidents.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

A group of experts reviewed the chatbot’s responses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

Famous for their rapid responses, the 3,000 members of Zaka are often the first to arrive on the scene of attacks or serious accidents and are trained to help survivors before tending to the dead.

From Barron's ● Oct. 5, 2026

That change was accompanied by stronger responses to chemotherapy.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 4, 2026

They listen through ear-trumpets for responses to their questions.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton




Vocabulary lists containing response


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