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Definitions

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:

“If your husband or spouse comes home and says they want to build a museum, I suggest your response is a hard no.”

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 20, 2026

The kingdom needs to decide if it will seek de-escalation in hopes of ensuring quiet on its southern border or if its red lines have truly been crossed, necessitating a strong military response.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 20, 2026

Buckingham Palace released a rare statement on Wednesday in response to claims made by Earl Spencer in his book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which is due to be published on Tuesday.

From BBC Sep. 20, 2026

As the same urine was presented again and again, the flehmen response became less frequent.

From Science Daily Sep. 20, 2026

It only occurs to me after she’s gone that the better response would have just been Thanks.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

They released an interest form for a trip, expecting "80 to 100 responses."

From BBC Sep. 18, 2026

"By identifying this specific protective pathway, we may be able to develop more targeted therapeutic approaches that restore intestinal balance instead of broadly suppressing immune responses."

From Science Daily Sep. 17, 2026

He criticizes DHS’s “conclusory or dismissive” responses to the 22,000 public comments it received about the proposal.

From Slate Sep. 17, 2026

Sure, there were hostile columnists and some idiotic responses.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 15, 2026

To Ben, the Latin responses had more gravity at night, especially when combined with a choir and a packed church.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy




Vocabulary lists containing response


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